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X% ' ^'
(j
ivtjT<4*
THE
LIVES
OF
THE PURITANS:
CONTAINING
\ BIOGRAPHICAL ACCOUNT OF THOSE DIVINES WHO
DISTINGUISHED THEMSELVES IN THE CAUSE
OF
FROM THE REFORMATION UNDER QUEEN ELIZABETH^
TO THE ACT OF UNIFORMITY,
IN 1662.
BY BENJAMIN BROOK.
IN THREE VOLUMES.
^^i#»^»^i#>»^<»>#^^^
VOL. II.
Of whom the world was not worthy. — Hkbbews.
The Nonconformists have salTened what is next to death, and too maay
have suffered even onto death: of whom then shall 4)ieif*4i£aths .be •
required? — Bishop Mortom. ;!••' * /• •* *.••**•
. •,•
^ •*•" •••• • • •
• m
I
Honoon :
PRINTED FOR JAMES BLACK,
* TORK-tntBCr, COTBHT-«ABDBt.
* 1813.
• • • «
•• ••• ••• : •«•
• • •• ••\ I
CONTENTS OF VOL. II.
JohuUdal 1
John GrMDiTDod S3
WiUiun Smjlb 44
Tfaomas Seltle 4B
John PcDry 48
Thomu Galakcr, len 68
ArthorWake 70
WiUlun Whilaker 19
Henc? Alvcy 8S
John Prime ST
Richard Alln ib.
Fr«aci9 JohBMD 88
William Cole 106
JohDHonand lOT
Hesrj Smith loe
ArttorDeal Ill
William Cbarke 119
JohDDairell IIT
Cbcistnpher Ooodman 183
WilliamPerklD IS9
Joiias Nicboli , IH
Tfaoma* Cartwright Ib.
Edward Phillpi 169
Mr Midglvy 163
Williun Hubbock 104
Thomas Care w 166
Georfe Coiyat 168
FraDcuTilgge 160
FerclTal Wjbora ih.
McbolaiBoaad HI
Xzckias Morley 174
JohnRainolds 176
Thomat Brightmao 168
Richard HauBKl 183
Tboma* WUcocki 165
Jobo Smyth 196
▼OL. II.
Richard ClifloD IM '
NkhoUuRoih 900
Hr. Uuicaiter SOS
Thomai Peacock ib.
Gabriel Powei SH
Thomai Holland *19
Hugh Bronghlon SIS
Wilham Burton SW
Richard Rt^icn !>■
RandalBata 8M
DanlelDjke !3S
Robert Parker BST
Richard OaiTtoa S4I
BcoryAlray M7
Georce TTIlhen 248
Franci) Bonne; SSO
EdDiundBuDDey ......... S5S
Huiebiui Pagel SS9
TfaoDUuStOM SSS
Pan! Bftjaa Ml
Vniiiani Bradihaw 864
Hr. Jenklo STD
SiLmucI Hteron 870
GeorgeGiffoid 87S "
JeremlabDvke S79
Tliomai Hdwhie ib,
Tbomai Wilwii SSS
AndrewWiUet 884
Stephen Bfcrtan 889
Thomas Paget. . . .' 891
Hr.Knighi !9»
jDhnRandall CM
Nicholai Byfieid S»T
Heniy Aintwerth 990
William Femble SOt
John Sprint 306
6
.* '
\':'-
V--
•'• r
• • • •
» • • • •
* ■ • • •
• •
CONTENTS OF VOL. 11.
JskdUdal 1
lokn Greenwood ......... 83
WOliamSmjIh it
nomuSeltle 48
John Peor; A8
Thomu GkrakcT, )eD 68
AiUmr Wake TO
WiUiuD Wbiiaker 78
VtMzj Ahej 85
JahnPrine 8T
UckardAUen ib.
flucia Jobaion 89
mUiaaColc 106
JthaBdUnd lOT
HarjSinltk 108
ArikuDent Ill
William Charkc 113
JobDDarrell 117
Cbriilnphei Goodman 183
ffilliam PerkiD 1S8
Joiiai Nkbols 136
TtMui Cartwrisbl lb,
Elaard Pbillpi 1 69
Ui.UUgtej 163
William flobbock 164
TkoBuCarcw 166
Gta^ Corjal 168
Fnneia Trigte 160
PeriiTnl Wjbarn ib.
Nicboiai Bound Ill
Ezekiai Haric; 1 74
Juba KaiDoliiiL 116
Tboma* BrighbnaD 188
Rictaard Hauowl 1 83
namni Wilcocki 18fi
JoboSmjlb 195
TOL. II.
Richard Cltnon IM '
Niebolai Ruk KO
Hr. I^neaiter 80ft
Tbomai Peacock lb.
GabrielPowel 811
■niaiiiai HoilaiH] 813
Hugh Broagh Ian 81K
ffUliam Barton 830
Richard Riqien 881
Randal Bain 834
Daniel Dyk 83ft
RoberlPaiker BST
Richafd GantoB «■
Henry Aira; 9*1
GeoTge WItben **8
Franc U Bnnaey **"
Edmund Bunncy B«
Jiusebiu. Pagel BSS
TboBiu stone SSS
Fanl BajnM Ml
William Bradabaw 88*
Hr. JcDkln tETO
Samnel Hleron fflO
George Gi Hind S73
JercDiiah Dyke 8T9
Tbomat Helwlue ib.
Thomai WilMD 888
Andrew Willet 881
Stephen Egerton 889
Tbomas IVgel 891
Mr.Knighl S95
John Randall SBS
Nichola* ByBeld B9T
Henry Aimworth 899
William Pemble 304
John Sprint 30S
Juhn<
3frt
JabD Knewtiub SDH
Jlidwrd Ct*ckeniharj> .... 319
WaliBr TrpiYin 314
ttnry Jucub 3W
Jobn Itobintun 3M
Rleburd HIack M4
Aalhuny WottDD 34S
tlif bard Ibilbwcl) M9
Jnbn I'mloii 398
J*b Thrnimurton 361
IWopbllnt Bradbvurn .... 3M
\CiUlBm Hinde S«t
WlltianPinke 369
SabMllan Bcarfirld lb.
Robcrlfirawn 866
Pnuwi* iiiniMon- • < am
nobrrlTllEolU S7S
Jalu Warbam 976
ArlJiDr llildrrihon lb.
Tbomai INII 388
Kobfrl Rollou SBO
ClIlciThnrn MB
TfcawK Beard 399
TbonlfTajlor an
wllllaB Ann 405
Joha CarUT 40Q
Jl>|h Clark 4lt
JohnllaydcB 4J&
Rickard Slbbi 41s
Jobo Avrry 410
Juhn Itugcn 4il
JobD Msfcrlck tSS
Hear) Uelltbrand 4S4
raSR
ll«nry Raaiidtn .' 42T
Kubcri Cutlln 4U
Jwrpb Motft 4»
JMlmAVorkraul. 4St
William WbaUkr 4SS
JobuBall MO
n<.™.llrr«r 4M
l^wrrnrr Chadderlon MB
JobuRodd iM
M'lliljm I'Vrincr Ul
HamMel Ward 4SS
llrory Arcber 49f
KwBDcl Ihwc 460
Htepben Mote 4U
Rlcluud Baruirri 4M
JoDBihu Bnrr 4W
Jobo EaUD 4M
John Howe Ml
Mr. Wrath 4W
WllUuni Wralbband 410
Tobiai Criip 471
Alfunder l.e>KhtDn ...... 410
Juba Hrdgwkk 4SS
Kicbucd Hcd^xJck 4W
JulloM Herring 4W
(terip Fbllipi 4B1
CDllbulrTlowtilng 405
Jnhn DoHnliani 4H
Tbomaifoilc} 40T
lAwrcDreSntlllaic 4M
Cktitft IlnBlley SOI
Mr UifU dOS
llriiry UnMrr Mil
Lawreoee ClarbMW ,. 5Uk
CONTENTS OP THE NOTES,
'IVcbanKlerot ArebbkhopWblltin
Tbc eaaalnallaB or HcHji Barrav
Barrow^ prlUlM to the AilarD«y-(irMt«l
AfBnhcrchwMlwafArebblitepWbliiin
k»p Hall's acctuMion «f Fraocii Jobiuon •■■^•i
Ji4Hiri««aad AiuworthUn BnwalM '•■.. .,^.
AtMMtaf tiang-neek • ».<«
Ihjlia' ii[ iif rhilfiiliiM M«.
nntdM made KUuip for afpoiiag tta pMilM* ••*
Tte coHrgiam ca*t alF their larplica »•••••..■..■
nticiflTefaled Caitirtighl'i mtwiim i,.^. ...*..
ftiftop UaddoE ciBum Cartwrigbl ••..•........
Irikrd^ i^mion of Wbiigifi'i wrilJDgi ....•«..>.
WtagiA'i (real incopiialcDcy . ......i>*« •■••••*'
4Kn ElialwUi ioccned aptat BMif Ajtew «.
lk<karacMr of tbe Earlof W*wkk ..,*>.««. .
Bcn'tcbuacinof Caitvrisbi .^ ,
^ diiines wrow ID CortwTicU »•_.„,.,
VAjlnu'i&lscBcciuallaaorCuMricbl ....
biipurilaniiai ■•.*i...
SiiFiancii KnaUjs a palianaf (be pnritana •.
IbrTraBibUioD of tkaBlUa ..,.».■..
laecdoie of Wake bmI Bte«p ..• ...>«:
Ih'fbarscurDflJicboluFollor,*^. ».*•*».
Ik^w VoodcDck coainuKed ro NcwptB ...•«
fc Petti Vttatwonb't cbancler and impriioaBe
kitobtrt Harie;'i tbaruter and dcatk ...••..,
"' > Hogh Brongbtou ..,■........»>•••••.•
AnosBloritae famoot Jobn Speed .....•.«•■■■••••.
l^vCoMao TemBTkabte for leadiog tta MM* ••.»•*
Ajaoliar method of teachiog Hebrew •...
ABdNe of Bishop Hoiioaand H. BrmeUH
^ckarBclerof Bbhop Ravis
' Vaughnn ..•.•.........••..•
IMip Neile JocUaed la popery
~~^ Freke a lealDDi penecator ..........■.....••■
"~~^ 8ea»ble» » lealoni pmecniar ...............
ThraMcialHUMortbepaTitaiii
A little black edpBgaflko(i>e la Bancroft
Bah^ Baion'i defence of Ike charch
—— WartwrtM't »btud opinion of penccvtiM ....
» af BUbop Nortn «gS
Kootsfonl chapel iiupeDdcd ,., lb.
Accaaot of the famous Poraui S9S
Tbomai Fotficid S»T
Dr Thomas Sparke 384
William Brenster S4I
Sir Anthon; Cope 344
Arehbiitop BBOcrofi 34*
' Or. fiicbard Uoabpie 348
L*dj BowM a feneroiii Triiad to (be paritaw ,..,. S5I
AccoDot of Lord Brook 353
"' Bisbnp Andrews 366
Anecdote of (he Duke of Backingham S5T
AccoDDl of the Dulie of Backiagbam SB9
Biihep Wiilianu .' 310
Theiip|;eaiidplDDder ofLeicuiler 373
EailafHunliiiEdDn'BleUerloJIildenliam 380
Tbecni^UeDtenceagaiDstVigblaDsndHoit 3S3
Tbechanuter of Sir AugUilin NichoU 391
AaecdolcaraBiihapaBd W. Amet 40S
AccDDDt of Biihup Wren 410
Archbishop TIarinet 41S
"The cauit of Mr. Baxter's «0D>er9itiii 4S0
Accoant of Lawrence Faltciongh 4!l
— — Sir Henry Savlla 4S4
Alnunacki burnt by the paplits 4S5
The Fhanicter of Archbiahop Laud 436
JobDHuoiacoufessDriQQueenHaiytraign 4ST
King CharWs recommcndaiion 444
AccouUarUr Waller Uildmay 44a
Bilmne battery of KlngJamei 447
Account of Bishop J e(;on 440
Anecdoleof S, Fairclough's coDVeTiloD ........... ........ 45S
A mistake of Dr. Doddridge reciieed 4t5
Lr?ingstnnBndAndr.rfunpro«ecnled 48B
Archblshcip Laudaboldamertion 500
The characterofArclihishop Abbot 509
Theodore Hwk projected (beRayal Society 004
THS
LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
John Udal. — This celebrated puritan was educalei
in tbe uniyenitj of Cambridge, andwas a man of excdknt
parts, great learning, Pennine pietj, and vntatnidiei
lojalty to Queen Elizabeth, but a great sufferer oa account
of his nonconformity. He was prdacher abouit si^en years,
at Kingston-upon^Thames ; but aflenriudB dcprireA^
imprisoned, and condemned; and, at lafit, he died^pute
heart-broken in prison. Some of his faeaiera at Kin^ston^
taking ofieoce at his faithfid ivamings and admonitionfl^
j^xnight complaints against him to those in power, whm he
was put to silence by the official. Dr. Hone, and commttfarf
to prison. But by ikk unaoficited' fayotv and influence of
the Countess of Warwick, Sir Drue Dniry, aild dther
excellent perscms, he was lekawd, and mtorcd to ius
ministry.
September 96, 1586, he was conyened befbre the Bish(q[>
of Winchester, and the Dean of Windsor, wfaed thejr
entered upon the following conversation :
Bishop. Mr. Udal, you are beholden to my bdy oif
Warwick. She hath been earnest for you, and tdleth me^
that you will submityourself.
Udal. I thank Grod for her ladydiip's care. I watt
contented, and alwajrs have been, to submit taany thing
that is just and godly.
B. W hat you wUl do, I know not Hitherto you have
not done it ; for you refiued to swear according to law.
U. By your honour's ferour, I never refused to swear, 89
&r as the law doth bind me.
B. No i Wherefore then were you committed ?
U. You know best. I was contents to swear, if I might
ftret see the articles.
B. Th^tiiaakndei foondatipfttoatandupttD.
VpL. If. &
2 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
U. It is to me a matter of great importance^ For with
what conscience can I call the Lord to witness, and protest
by his name, that I will answer I know not what ?
Dean. Mr. Udal, the thiogs objected i^inst you, I dare
say, are against your doctrme^ or your fife, which are no
secrets.
B. Nay, they charge nothing against his life, but his
doctrine only.
U. The greater is the mercy of God towards me. For
I have given the greater offence by my life ; but it hath
pleased him so to keep my sins from their sight, that I
might suffer for his sake. Your restraining me from my
ministry, makes the world believej that the slanders raised
against me are true; the ignorant call in quc^ion the
jgospel which I have preached ; and thus a door is widely
opened for every wicked man to contemn the doctrine of
our Saviour.
' Here the bishop laid all the blame on Mr. Udal, aiid
discovered so haid a heart against the suffering church of
^God, that Mr. Udal burst into a flood of tears, and was
^nstndned to turn aside, to weeip for the space of half an
Jiour. Upon his* Wtum, he was addressed as follows :
.B. Will you answer the articles charged against you,
that thesethings may be redressed ?
U. If I may first see them, I shall be satisfied. .
B. Mr. Hartwell, write to the roister to let him see
them ; then go with him to some of the commissioners to
swear him.
U. This will be a long course. ' I pray you, that, in the
mean time, I may continue my ministry, for the good of the
poor people.
' B. That you may not Now that you are suspended,
you must so abide, until you be clearecL -
U. Then whatsoever becomes of me, I beseech you, let
flie poor people have a preacher.
B. That is a good motion, and I will look after it.
Mr. Udal then receiving tb^ letter, departed ; and the
articles being shewn him, he was takesr to Dr. Hammond to
be sworn, who said, " You must swear to answer these
articles, so far as the law bindeth you." " Do you mean,"
said Mr. Udal, << that I shall answer them, so &.r as it
appeareth to ine, that I am by law required ?" And
finding that he might, he took the oatiii,* and ddivered to
the register his answers to all the articles in writing. These
articles, with the alisn/^rs, are ndw be£tee me, and are
UDAL- 9
thirty-six iti number ; but too long for insertion.* They
cdiitain the charges ^hich certain ill-disposed persons, in
the parish of Kingston, brought against him to the hi^h
commission. His answers, indeed, furnished the commis-
sioners with sufficient matter for animadversion, when he
underwent his next examination. October 17th he was
convened before the high commission, at Lambeth ; whea
Archbishop Wliitgift, the Bishops of Winchester and
Hereford, Dr. Aubery, Dr. Lewin, Dr. Cosin, Mr. Hartwell,
and others, were present. Upon the reading of the articles
and his answers, they made their remarks as follows :
. Archbishop: You are not to judge, Mr, Udal, who ymlk
disorderly ; nor account any so to do, till it be proved.
. U. How shall I count him to do otherwise, who ^ivetfa
himself up to notorious sins ; and after being admomshed^
not only amendeth not, but goeth on more stubborn than
before ?
B. You must do more than that.
U. You mean, we must present them ; and so we have
done several ; but presentment is of no use. -
A. You must expect what will follow, and not appmnt
your own time./
U. We may do this long enough before we see any
redress, so long as things are managed thus. I have seen
malefactors presented two or three years ago, but of whose
trials we have heard nothing.
A. You say, Christ is the only archbishop. Why do
you not caU him arch-pastor and arch-shcphnd ?
U. As I am at liberty to call the ministers of Christ bj
those titles given them by the Holy Ghost, as pastors,
shepherds, and watchmen ; so, I think, I may Jesus Christ.
A. No, no; the archbishop was in your way, and
it troubled you to think of ham. - But there will be an
archlnshqp when you shall be no preacher at Kingston.
B. The rest of that artide is sophistical, on like Apollo
the oracle.
U. Perhaps I have taken some advantage of the words,
and not answered acoxding to the meaning thereof as the
law lequiinelli.
A. Those eldcEs of which you q^eak, were bisbopi^ and
not any other.
. U. in 1 C». xiL tpwamon are mfirfionfrf as ditittoct
fiom teachers.
« MSu Kcfirt^^ ffu ni-^7lu
4 LIVES OF Ttl£ I^URITANS.
I
A. That is meant of civil gort^rnors, and not of a oompany
of unlearned, simple men, as you would hayie it.
U. The apostle there speaketh of those who were ordained
in the church. But it is of no use to dispute these matieni
in this place.
A. Wiken you say, that pastors may di3 ta^nng by thdr
efwn discretion, but only by the direction 6f the word 6f
God, y<m say true; hvit in this, you strike at something
cis6.
B. Many things are lawful^ and mhy be doiie^ that h&ye
no direct warrant from the itotd.
U. If that can be proTed^ it is sufficieiM, and agte^abte to
no\y answer.
B. What occasion h&d jrou tb sp«aK of imch datteM a^
•fficerilL orders, canons, &;C. t
U. I have not choteft those subje6ts oii ptii'pos^, and
have spoken upon them only as they qame in my way;
This I mu^ do, or I could not dechtre All the council
of God.
. Dr. Cpsin* That you will neVer do vMle you lire.
U. But I must ddivet as much as I know.
A. It is becaui^ you would rail agfunst aiitfabrif^.
B. Why do you wbh that the pfiBlie sertice were
IdMdged? It may all be read in three quarters of an
Botir.
U. But I have known it, with other business io be dont
before sermon, to last about two hours.
A. They who are wearied iritii it, are your scholaiti, Wh6
iilm km,f inih noticing but your setmonil.
U. my schdars never keep out till ibe sermon begins ;
but if any ckf them be weary of the senice, I nerer taught
thein so to be.
A. All the service might be i^ead well enbtigh ; but yaa
will ist^nd in your rain r^titions, both in your ptayerii
Hnd your sermons, and niake no account of so doing.
U. I pray you have a better opinion of me, unless yod
know that wlmt you say is true.
A. Nay, I speak not of you alone, bUt all of yout sort :
this iar your manner. Why should you preachy thai soml^
)[^rs(in6 make but small acCoiint of setmbh^ If
. U. Because I know it to be true.
B. Though petscms may have been bf tHat mind^ they
may be altered.
A. When you spoke of Christ's descent into hell, that
which you said is most afisurd.
, B. The ptooes i|i Pettr and Aeti^ aie monstroudvaboied
oj Calvin and others, -who hcid tliat c^i^on^ For w)iQ
ever knew sepulchre mean hell ?
U. The original word there used, is qRcxl taken for
grav^, though |t alfp ipeans lieU ?
IfaitweU*, Shew me pne place^ if jou can.
U. That I can easily do ; for as often as the Hebrew
f" ord in the 014 Tf^ftameni^ meaneUi grave, so does also the
Qreek.
H. How can that be ? The Old Testament was writteii
in Hebrew, and not in Groek*
IJ. Do you not know that thf Septuagint is in Gseek, in
which you will find what I say is true t
A. How can tb§ foul go into t)ie grave ? What an
absurd thfnff is that I
.. U. The H<^Eew vnpi^ usui^y ^^piifieth the whole mail f
as Gren. :<lvi. it is odd, ^^ Tkeife went seventy souls, that m^
twenty persom, into E|gypt*^
A. Do you then believe ijat QM^ both «oul and body^
w&kt into the grave ?
U. No. But it is, alsQp often taken for the body ; and
jvhen^sver it is thufs tsdiea, it is so translated in the Sep*
iuagint : as Lam. i. 19.
H. 1 wish I bad a book, that I might see it.
A. The human soul of Christ after his dsalh^ descended
ji^to th(9 place of the damned/ and whosoever bolkveth not
this, but denieth it, is an heretic.
^ U. The church ff EngUmd is taught, and also believeth,
fliat which you acco«9t haopi^.
A. Nq rmi^t for tbat. We ceoeive ngtbing for the
^tiine of the ^iMircb of i^figlfmd, bft Ib^t iHiich is
authorized by act of parliament.
U. Then your doctrine i9 not the doctrine of the ciiurch.
ffxim§ §f ber airtickpt saHjb <Hily, that Christ descended o
iBtp bell, witbput Qxi^rseMiflg }iow. J '
A. You speak of unprea^biMi^ ministetos being fcMsted if
by satan, that vou may disgrace authprity.
, 9. If a.miaiirt^r be learned, yet bath no utterance, will
iron di^ftUov him as wfit ?
V.' Yen, Ab4 J nHiJili Ufomi^ tba word i^ God dis*
alloweth him.
B. Whaprp, I |^y gm^ *b*k I vmy know it ?
U. In 1 Tim. iii. 2., 2 Tim. ii. 24. He must be op/ <#
Uacb^ which imiftieOk moi f»fy iakmkdge, ha> uHerancef
I
LITES OF THE FURITANS.
B. Yaa mwA wbUithf mm mmnB^ ilkthm.
U. I Uiiiik I bnre dcued mjwdf bjr ny wm
B. Nay, fay your Une, jma faaic wiL Yi
acciueyoa.
U. THen dupatdi me aeomdiBgiy. II ii
and buideoMMiie to aitcod so aAcs frooi day to day.
A. My lord of Wiacha^ •ppo^ kn ^ ^«l*»d on
Friday oome wcweom^sL
B. I am content Come in tfe aftenooa.
Mr. Udal then departed, intendii^ to ffaa aoeofding
la ajqpointment. In the oMan time, tlie Coualoi of War-
wick wrote a pressing letter to tlie bishop, in hia behaK
Upon hiff appeanoice, afier long attendanoe, he wna called
bdfdre the biriiop, who tlras addressed Um :
B. The aiticleshroagfat against yo«, are not to be ptofod)
§K the witnesses fear the displeasure of yoor unineiow
ftiends, wUdi is a veiy hard care.
U. It is haid, if it be trar. Bat there if aa ascb ftar^
only they are nnaUe to prove more than I have abcady.
oonfisssed*
B. Yon hare, indeed, oonfinsedsofficient^unst yourself.
U. Let ii then apjpear. F<» I most jnstify all that I
haye confessed, nntil it be refilled; and when it is refuted,
I shall be willing to recant, in the same ptaoe in which it
was spoken.
B. I will not deal with you in that way. Bnt for the
sake of yonr friends, and other causes, I am willing to
restore you to your preaching, if you wiU assnre mo
under your own nttud, that yon will speak no ukho against
any thing by authority estabUshed.
U. I will promise you to preach nothing but the word of
Ood.
B; The word of God, as you tune pleased to call it i
U. If I be unable to understand what is, and what is not,
the word of God, I am unfit to be a preacher, and so you
may finally dismiss me. It were abetter for me to be a
{dbughman, than a preacher, imder any oflier conditions.
B. Then I may not admit you. This would help td
incrpase oontroyersies.
U. I will promise you to promote the peace of the
church, all that I can. More I cannot do.
B. Wall, 1 wm 8(«k advice about it Ip the mean time
you may depart.
; Ifr. Udal, Imimg ^epvted, commimkated an •ocomt
^ these transacftipo* to bip frienck^ and the Cioiuifcn of
Warwick seat a messenger tp the bishop for a deckuira
answer. Therefore, by l^r jodlj and zealoas importonitji
bis lordship sent for A(r. Udal, when he thus addiesiea
kim:
B. I am to restore yoa, Mr. Udal, to yoor former place
of preaching; yet I must admonish you to reftain finom
speaking against things by law established. For, sorely, if
you give occasion to be again deprived, no subjad in
£nffland shall obtain your restoration.
U. Surely, I have not at any time^ purposely said any
thing tending thereunto. But I may never conceal the
trutb which my text otkietix me.
B. We had need walk warily. Things are out of square.
There is much inquiry where is the cause. Some blame us
Wshc^ ; but God knoweth where the blame ia. I think it
is in the controversy among ourselves.
U. So do I. Butinwhomisthecauseofthecontnnrersy,
I shall not now dispute. I came for another purpose.
B. Take heed you do not triumph over your enemiesL
This will create greater variance and dissention.
U. If I should be restored, I am determined to pass it
over in nknce, and leave my enemies to their maker and
judge. I must suffer greater things than these for Christ*!
sake.
B. Well, this is all I have to say to you at this time.
Mr. Udal then departed, having obtained his libertv to
ccmtinue preaching; for which he blessed and praised
God, and prayed that these troubles mi^ht be over-ruled for
the advancement of God^s glory, and Ine further prosperity
of his church,*
Thus, after much trouble and expense^ with the loss of
much tune^ this learned and excellent divine was restored
to his mimstry. About the same time, he united with ln|
bfethren in subscribiag the '' Book oi Discipline."f His
troal4e9, however, were not ended. In the year 1588^
he was again suspended and deprived al his living. Having
received the ecclesiastical censure a second time, the inha-
bitants, of Newcastle-upon-Tyne prevailed upon the Earl
of Huntingdon, k^d president of the north, to smd him to
preach the word of life among them. Therefore, being
driven from his living add his flock at Kingston^ he went
• MS. Refiner, p. 779-781. f Neal*t Puritam, v»l. i. p. 4M.
W LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
to Newcastle, where his ministerial labours, during hit
continuance, were greatly blessed to many souls. But Mr.
Udal- had not been there above a ^ear, (the plague being in
the town all the time, which carried off two thrasand of its
inhabitants,) when, by an order from the privy council,
he was sent for to London. He immediately obeyed
the summons, and appeared at Lord Cobham's house,
January 13, ISS9, The conunissioners present were Lord
CoUham, Lord Buckhurst, Lord Chief Justice Anderson,
the Bishop of Aocliester, Dr. Aubery, Dr. Lewin, Mr.
Fortesque, and Egerton the solicitor, llie lord chief
justice then entered upon his examination in the following
manner :
Anderson. How long have you been at Newcastle ?
Udal. About a year, if it please your lordship.
A. Why went you from Kingston-upon-Thames ?
U. Because I was silenced Uiere, and was called to
Newcastle.
Bishop. What calling had you thither ?
U. The people made means to my lord of Huntingdon^
who sent me thither.
B. Had you the allowance of the bishop of the diocese I
U, At that time, there was none.
A.. You are called hither to answer concerning certain
books, which are tiiought to be of your making.
U. If it be for any of Martin s books, I have already
answered, and am ready so to do again.
A. Where have you answered, and in what manner ?
U. At L?imbeth, a year and a half ago, I cleared myself
not to be the author, nor to know who ne was.
A. Is this true, Mr. Beadle ?
Beadle. I have heard that there was such a thing, but I
was not there, if it please your lordship.
Aubery and LewLn. 'There was such a thing, my lord's
grace told us.
U. I am the hardlier dealt with, to be fetched up so far,
at this time ot the year. I have had a journey, I would
not wish unto my enemy.
B. You may thank your own dealing for it.
A. But you are to answer concerning dher books.
U. I hope your lordship will not urge me to any others,
seeing I was sent for about those.
A. You most answer to others also : What say you of
^ A Demonstration" and << A DiaiiogQt ?" did you not
makethem?
UDAL; 11
v. I cannot answer* •
A. Why would you clear yourself of M artin, and not
of th^se, but that you are guilty ?
U. Not so, my lord. 1 have reascm to answer in thef
one, but not in the other.
A. I pray let us hear your reason ; for I cannot conceive
dfiiy seeing they are all written concerning one matter.
U. This is the matter, my lord. I hold the matter pro-
Ced in them to be aU one ; but I would not be thought to
die it in that manner, which the former books do ; and '
because I think otherwise of the latter, I care not though
(he? should be fathered upon me.
Buckhurst. But, I pray you tell me, know you not
Penry ?
U. Yes, my lord, that I do.
Buck. And do you not know him to be Martin ?
U. No, surely, nor do I think him to be Martin.
Buck. What is your reason ?
U. This, toy lord : when it first came out, he, under-
standing that some gave him out to be the author, wrote a
ktter to a friend in London, wherein he denied it, in such
terms as declare him to be ignorant and clear in it.
Buck. Where is tliat letter ?
U. Indeed I cannot tell you. For I have forgotten to
whom it was written.
Buck. You will not tell where it is.
U. Why, my lord, it tendeth to the clearing of one, and
the accusation of none.
Buck. Canyon tell where Penry is ?
U. No, stti^y, my Icnrd.
Back. When did you see him ?
U. About a quarter of a year ago.
Buck. Whete did you see him?
U. He called at my door and saluted me.
Buck. Nay, he remained belike with you.
U. No, indeed ; he neither came into my house, nor did
he so much as drink with me.
Buck. How came you acquainted with him ?
U. I think at Cambridge; but I have often been in his
company.
Buck. Where?
U. At various places.
A. What say you? did you make these books? or
know you who made them ?
U. ^ cannot answer to that question, my lord.
IS LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
A. Yoa hnil an gmiil my you vera the autliur.
v. TlmtwilUoiri>lluw.
Cdiiliiuii. Mr. lltliil, if yew l>p not llic nutbor, my to;
and ifyuu be, coiifMut it: Von amy fiiul fovoiir.
U. My loni, I tiiitik tiw. niittidr, fur luiy tliiojt I know*
did wdT; aiul 1 kium he iv iiK|uiroil ndcr lo Ih; pimihiiol ;
thisnififfCf I think it my duty lo biiiiliT tlic riiidinfr uf him
out, wliJcli I VMiiiiot do licttcr liuiii thiia.
A. And why in>, I pmy you ?
V- BtKMUnp, ifitvury oiii; that in siiRunolMl do deny it,
the KUtlior nt length inusl rieudo Ik; found out,
A. Why (hire yon not cotifrui it, if you Im; IIk! auliuir?
Dare you nut Htiiiid Ut your own doiri^ ?
U. 1 pr»rnmni iKfiirr, tJuit I likrd oflhe lirMikH, and (lie
mattff Iinndli-d iu th<-ni : hut wlwther I iiinilt^ tliein or n'>,
I will iKit iiHRwcT. BeHiUn, if 1 were tlie uullior, 1 think
tliot liy law 1 need nut wiHWcr.
A. Tliiit iittnic, il'it coiiconii^l the lou of your life.*
Furtifiqiie. 1 ftruy yiiu by what law did you jwiioh nt
Newctrntle, biting forhiildtin at Kin^pilim ?
U. I kniiw no lawiifpiiiiiititfNni;iHf{ it writ the ofiidnl. Dr.
Hone, who HileucuJ int;; wluwc authority reacketh not out
of his own nrrlidmrmiry.
F. What wn> the i-AUfM! lor Hhidi you were nilcmx-d?
V. Kurrly J cannot U-]\, nor yet tNui|fiue.
A. Wrll, whiit Miy you of Uiohc IjuoJwI who made
tbpm I and whiire wen; they |irintt:d ?
U. TIioukIi 1 «»mld Ml your Icvdnliip, yet dare I not;
for the rcnjuitiH liitlore alleged.
B. I ivuy you let nu; ask you a qnoitiun or two OHiccrn-
lAK vourlwoK.
IT. It M not ynt proved to be mine. Dot 1 will antwcr to
any thing concornuig the matter of the book, M f«i M (
know.
B. You cnll it a DcmonitnUion. 1 pray you wlial is a
Pononiliation i I bi.-lievc you know nhol it U.
U. Ifyoii lind ukknd nu- \hitt (junlioa wIm« 1 wu a \iof
In Cumitt'idf^'. of B year'* »tniHlijfx, it IimI Imiu a note uf
ifptoriuv:r in mr, toltare IkO) uiutMr tonmmcTyou.
KkitIuii. Mr. I'dal, I am torry llwl yoo will iwt
aiuwi-r, nor lake an oatii. Tou nrtt llkn the •etuiaa'T
prresf « ; wbo aay, thore b no law to fioa|fal|lMRU utjuai**
tJDAL. is
tr. Sir^ if it be a liberty by law, there is no Teaionrwfij
they should not challenge it.
Buck. My lord, it is no standing with him. What
sttyest thou, wilt thou take the oath ?
U. I have said as much thereuiito ^ I ckAj my lord.
Aub^ry and Lewin. It on hare taken it heretofore; and
why will yon not take it now ?
U. I Was called to answer certain articles upon mine oaflt.
when I freely confessed that against myself, which coura
never haVe been proved ; and when my friends labodred t6
have me restored, the archbishop answered, that there was
sufficient matter against me, by my own confession, why |
tiionld not be restored : whereupon 1 covenanted with mine
own heart, never to be mine own acciiser in that sort
Again.
B. Will you take an oath ?
U. I dare not take it.
B. Then yon mu^ go to prison, and it will go hard with
you. For you must remain there until you be glad to
take it.
U. God's will be done. I had rather go to prison with
m mod conscience, than be at liberty with an ill one,
B. Your sentence for this time is, to go close prisoner to
the Ghitehouse, and you are beholden to my lords here, fliat
ihey have heard you so low.
tr. I acknowledge it, and do humbly thank their hooouit
for it.»
In the conclusion, Mr. Udal was sent to the Gatehons<$.
Take the account in his own words. << I was carri^ to
the Gatehouse by a messenger, who delivered me with a
warrant to be kept close prisofier ; and not to be sufiered to
have pen, ink, or paper, pr any person to speak to me.
Thus I remained half a year, in all which time, my wife
could not get leave to come to me, saving only that in the
hearing of the keeper, she mirht speak to me, and I to her,
of such things as she should think meet : although she
made suit to uie commissioners, and also to the council, for
more liberty. All this time, my chamber-fellows were
seminary priests, traitors, and professed papists. At the
^A €^ half a year, I was removed to the White-lion in
Sottfliwaik; and iQien carried to the assizes at Croydon. "f
JuFf S4tb, Mr. Udal, with fetters on his legs, was taken
4o Croydon, and indicted upon the statute of 23 £liz. cap. 3.
* State iVyaU, toI. t p. 144—146. fedU. 1719.
t Peiree't Ylndicstto, put h p. in.
U LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
before Baran Olarke and Serjeant Puckering, for -wrlilng
a wicked, scandalous, ahd seditious libel, entitled << A
Demonstration of the Truth of that Discipline which
Christ hath prescribed in his Word for the Govenunent ot
bis Church, m all Times and Places, until the end of the
World/' It was dedicated '^ To the supposed govemort of
ihe chi^rch of England, the archbish<^, lordAiishops,
archdeacons, and (he rest of that order/' In the dedication of
the book, are these words, as inserted in the indictment^and
upon which the charge against him was founded : '^ Who
<< can, without blushing, deny you (the .bishops) to be
<< the cause of all ungodliness : seeing your government is
}^ that which ^iyeth leave to a man to be any thing, saving
<^ a sound christian ? For certainly it is more free in these
<^ days, to be a papist, anabaptist, of the family of love ;
<^ yea, any most wicked one whatsoever, than that which we
^ should be. And I could live these twenty ^ears, any
^ such in England ; (yea in a bishop's house,' it may be)
^ and never be much molested for it. So true is that which
<< you are charged with, in a ^ Dialogue' lately come forth
^< against you, and since burned bv you, that you care for
^ nothing but the maintenance of your dignities, be it to
^^ the damnation of your own souls, and infinite millions
<^ more."* His indictment said, <^ That he not having the
fear of God before his eyes, but being stirred up by the
. imii^ation of the devils did maliciously publish a scandalous
and infamous libel against the queen's majesty, her crown
and dignity ."f
, Mr. U(ml being brought to the bar, and his indictment
read, humbly reouested their ^^ lordships to grant him to
answer by counsel ;" which the jud^ peremptorily refused,
•aying, ^< You cannot have it Therefore answer your
indictment'' He then pleaded nU guillj/j and put himself
iipon the trial of his country .{ In' opening the case, Mr.
Daulton, the queen's counsel, made a long invective against
the new discipline, as he was pleased to call it, which, he
affirmed, was not to be found m the wonl of God. When
he had done, Mr. Udal observed, that, as this was a contro-
yersv among learned divines, he thought Mr. Daulton
mi^bt have suspended his judjH^ent, especially as he himself
had formerly snewed some likinff to the same cause. Upon
which the judge said, << Sirnm ! sirrah ! answer to the
•
• FoUer^t Cbvrch HU(. h. is. p. Sgl, 999.— 8(ryp€*i Wbitcifl, p. 941.
t Stetc Trytdt, toI. 1. p. 147. t l^M.
UDAL. 16
Hmtter.^^^ ^' Mr. Daulton/- said he, '^ go on to prore tba
points, in the indictment;" Tvhich were the following:
' 1. That Mr. Udal was the author of the book*
S. That he had a malicious intent in making it.
3. That the matters in the indictment -were felony by tbo
statute of 23 £liz« cap. 3.
- The first point to be proved^ was, that Mr. tJdal was the
author c^ the book; and here it is. observable, that his
judges did not stand upon the formality of bringing him
anuhis accusers face to face, and cause them to appear as
witnesses against him in open court ; but only their exami-
nations were produced, to which the register swore. And,
first, Stephen Chatfield^s articles were brought forwards,
containing a report of certain papers he had seen in Mr.
UdaUs study. Upon seeing them, and asking whose they
were, Mr. Udal answered, ^' a friend's.'^ Chatfield then
desired him to get rid of th^ ; for he feared they concerned
the slate. He added, that Mr. Udal told him at another
time, that if the bishops put him to silence, he would give
them such a blow as they never had. Chatfield was then
called to witness these things, but he did not appear.
Daulton said, he went out of tlie way on purpose^ And
when the judge said,'" Mr. Udal, you are glad of that;'*
the prisoner replied, " My lord, I heartily wish he were
Jbere.. For, as I am sure ne could never say any thing to
prove this point ; so I am able to prove,^that he. is very
sorry that he ever made anv complaint against me, con-
fessing he did it in anger wnen Martin first came out, and
by their suggestions whom he has since proved to be very
bad men.'' Mr. Udal added, " That the book was pub-
lished before he had this conversation with Chatfield." And
as he proceeded, the judge interrupted him, saying, the case
was sufficiently clear:
The examination of Nicholas Tomkins was next pro-
duced. This Tomkins was now beyond sea, but the paper
said, that Mr. Udal had told him, he was the author. But
Tomkins himself afterwards said, "That he would not for
a thousand worlds affirm any more, than that he heard Mr.
Udal say, that he would not doubt, but set his name to the
book, if he had indifferait judges." When Mr. Udal
ofkied to produce his witnesses to prove. this, the judge
said, " That because the witnesses were against the queen's
majesty, they could not be heard."
* The contession of Henry Sharp of Northampton, was
next read, who^ upon his oath before the lord chamberlain,
16 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
had declared, ^< That he heard Mr. Pcnrr say, that Mr.
Udal ^as the author of the Demonstraiiot:. •
This was all the evidence of the fact, upon which he
was convicted, not a single living witnesn being produced
in court. The poor man had, therefore, no opportunity to
ask anj questions, or refute the evidence. And what
methods were used to extort theae confi^ions, may be easily
imagined from their non-appearance in court, and having
testincd their sorrow for what they had done. What man
of common understanding, would hang his dog on such
evidence as this ?
To prove Mr. Udal guilty of sedition, and bring him
within the statute, the counsel insisted, that his threatening
the bishopsj who were the queen's officers, was, by con'
■tniction, threatening the queen herself. The prisoneir
desired liberty to explain the passage ; when he insisted,
that offence against the bishops was not sedition against the
quoen. But all that could be said, was set aside, and the
judge ^vc it for law, even without allowing the twO
remainmg points of the indictment to be examined, <^ That
they who spake against the queen's government in causes
ecclesiastical, or her ecclesiastical laws, proceedings, and
officers, defamed the queen herself." Upon this the
jurv were directed to find him guilty of the fad^ and the
ludgcs taking upon themselves tlie \yo\\\i of law, condemned
liim as a felon. Fuller even confesses, that the proof against
liim was not piwiant ; for it watf generally believecJ, that
he wrote not the book, but only the preface.f His enemies
might as well have condemned him without the formality
of a trial. The statute was undoubtedly strained beyond
its meaning, and evidently with a design io reacli his life.
The good man behaved himself with great modesty and
discretion at the bar ; and having said as much for himself
as must have satisfied any equitable persons, he submitted
io the judgment of the court.
<< The case of Mr. Udal seems singular." says Hume^
« aven in the arbitrary times in which he lived. He was
thrown into prison on suspicion of harinf^ pnblished a book
•gainst the bishops, and brought to his trial for this oifencc*.
It was pretended that the biriiops were part of the qneen^ft
Klitical body ; and to speak against them, watf to attadl
r, and was, therefore, felony by the statute. This waa not
• atrype*! AbmIi, vol. Ui. Appet. f% Mb«»8Mtta Tryahf «•!• f. p.
f Fuller*! ChsKli Hlit. b. ii. p.
UDAL. 17
the only iniquity to which Udal was exposed. The judges
would not allow the jury to ^temdne any thing but the
facty of his being the author of the book, without examining
nis intention, or the import of his words. In order to pro?e
the fapt, they did not produce a single witness to the court :
they only read the testimony of two or three persons absent.
They would not allow Udal to produce any exculpatory
evidence, saying, it was not permitted against the crown.
His refusing io swear that he was not the author of the
book, was employed against him as the stron^t proof of
his ffuilt. Notwithstanding these multiplied iniouities, the
Terdict of the jury was brought a^inst him. For, as the
queen was extremely bent upon nis prosecution, it was
impossible he could escape."*
Mr. Udal was convicted at tlie summer assizes, 1590, but
did not receive sentence till the Lent following. In the
mean time, pardon was offered him, if he would sign the
fi>llowii^ recantation, dated February, 1591 :
" I, Jo\m Udal, have been heretofore, by due course of
*^ law, convicted of felony, for pennii^ or setting forth a
'' certain book, called ' The Demonstration of Discipline ;'
<^ wherein false, slanderous, and seditious matters are
'^ contained against her majesty's prerogative royal, her
^' crown and dignity, and against her laws and government,
<^ ecclesiastical and temporal, by law establishol under her
^' highn^^ and tending to the erecting a new form of
'^ government, contrary to her laws. All which points, I
^' do now, by the grace of God, perceive to be very
^' dangerous to the peace of this realm and church, seditious
^^ in the commonwealth, and infinitely offensive to the
" queen's most excellent majesty. So as thereby, now seeing
^' the grievousness of my offence, I do most humbly, on
^' my knees, before and in this presence, submit myself to
<^ the mercy of her highness, being most sorry that I have
^^ so deeply and worthily incurred her majesty's indignation
<^ against me ; promising, if it shall please God to move her
'^ royal heart to have compassion on me, a most sorro\?ful,
^' convicted person, that I will, for ever hereafter, forsake all
^' Undutiful and dangerous courses, and demean myself
" dutifully and peace&ly ; for I acknowledge her laws to be
^^ both lawful and godly, and to be obeyed by every subject."+
No arguments or threatenings of the judges could prevail
upon Mr. Udal to sign the above recantation. He could
• Hume's Hist, of £ng. vol. v. p. 345, S46.
t 8trype*8 Aonais, vol. W. p. 8a» 9t.— Baker's MS. CoUec. vol. ZT.p. 45.
VOL. II. C
IS LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
not, for the world, tiabscribe to that ids irue^ whteh ht knew
to be fdlse. He, therefore^ resolved to suffer on the gallop
rather than be guilty of such pretarieatioti and hypdorilrjr.
&ut the day before fiibnteiice vftcs to be passed upon hiiuu
fae oifleied the fMlowihg MbmiBSiim, dirawn u]^ by biSoMf^
dated February 19, 1591 :
<< Concerning the book wherecrf* I itas by due touUM of
^ bw convicted, by refenrinff itay^df to th^ trial of Hie laW^
<< and that by the verdict cftiireife tneh, I am found to b6
^ the author of it, for "HfUch cause an MiMt Subihtesiuta ik
^ teorthtty required aivd offidred of iwe. Although I ^MiHOl
^< disavow the muse and sufostttuce ^tiA d(MsiHiV^ debMSd
*^ in it, which I must needs aicknoWledge td be hoiy^ and fM
^ far as I can conceive of it) agreeable tb the w^rd of God;
^^ yeft I confess, the manner m Writing it is ^neh, in some
^^ paits, as may worthHy be bhmed, atkd might piioVt)ke hdt
<< majesty's indignation. Wherefore the triid df th^ hm
<< imputing to me all such defaults as are in that book^ Mil
*< laying the punishment of the same fai m6st grievous
<< manner upon me ; as mv mofit humble sikit to her inosl
^^ excellent majesty is, that hier mercy and gracious pardon
<^ may fVee me flrom the guUt and offence, which the said
"^^ trial of the law hath cast upon me, and l^irther, of h^r
" great clemency, to restore me to the comfort of my life
^< and liberty ; so do I promise, in aH humble submission to
^^ God and her majesty, to caity myself in .tiie whole
<^ course of my liife, in such humble and dutiful dbedience.
<< as shaU befit a minister of the gospel and a dutiful
<< subject, fervently and continually praying for the good
*< preservation of her highnesses pretjeus life and happy
" government, to the honour of Go^, and comfort oi^hcr
^ loyal and dutiful subjects."*
Previous to this, Mr. Udal had often, and with great
teamestness, petitioned his judges for their mediation with the
quwn.f In his letter to Puckering, dated November 11,
1590, he thus expressed himself: — " I resolved to call to
your r(*mrml)rancc my hard estate, which I pray you to
accept as proc<*edin£i: from him who wishdh as well to you
as to his own soul. I nei*d not oiler to yonr lordship's con«
sideration of Ihe miserable state I nm in, being deprived of
that living Inr which myself, my wife and children, should
be sonpnirlofl ; and s|)en(ling the little substance which
God has given me, in this tedious state of imprisonment;
• Htr>|»c*H Aiiniiltf, vol. iv. p. n.— State Tryalty vol. i. p. 152—165.
f linker*! MH. CvUec. vol. sv. p. 10—62.
USAL. 1^
and duM expofiifig hoik ne and them to \mgg^ and
misery^ I praj you eall to miod, by whal; cdnnie tiiii
miseij WII8 brought upon me ; and if you fisd, by dai^
consideration, that I am worthy to leceive the pnnfaiiHBiirt
from the (sfinteace of upr^ht jiuBtice, I pray yoa ha^en Ac
execution of the same : tor it were faei^, in Ais case, tor
me to die tha^ to Uye. ' But if it a{^)€ar to your con«
jdufncas, as I h<^ it will) tfaot ao jualioe against her
majesty can possibly be in me, seeing I pray daily tor
her maiesty^A piosperky and happiness, bpU| in soul and
body, th^ { do humbly and aaartil^ desire you to be «
means that I may be released. In doing this, I shall net
enly forget thi^ haid opinion copceiv^ of your couises
agauut me, but also pray heaitily unto God to bury the aasM^
arith the .sest of your sins, in the grave of his scm, Jasua
Christ." Mr. Udal wrote several other lettors, eiq>iassed
in most humble and dut^l languageJ» Ait iall these ap-
plications were to no purpose. The court would do BotUog
iiU he signed their sidinussion ; which, being directly coBr
Ijrary to the /Convictions of his conscience, heuttoily refused.
AX the dose of 4he Lent assizes, Mr. Udal, being called
ixk the bar, wilh die rest of the &ilQnB, and adLed what he
haA to say, why judgment ishould not be given against
bim, according to tiie veidiot, ddiveied ft p^per to the
/c»ui4,jC0iisisti^.ef certain reasons; the priocipai of wfaicj^
oreoe the toUowing :
1. '' Because ti^ juryweredixeeted only to find the/od^
viHbeMier I was the author of the book; aad were expressly
^Q<^9^ by ypur lordafaip from inquuing. into the uAtM^
.wkhout a^ich there is no felimy.
2. ^< Ttie men on the jury were not left to their awn
consciences, but were wrought upon, partly by |iroffMret>
assurii^ them it should be no further danger to me, bot
4end to my good ; and partly by /ear, as appears fixim the
^ief some of them have manifestal ever since.
3. ^ The statute, in the true meaning of it, is thought not
to reach my case, th^e being nothing ^spoken in the book
^^oncerning her majesty's person, but in duly and honour;
1 'beseedi you, therefore, to consider, "vi^iether drawing it bom
dier royail person to the bid^c^, as being part fii her body
•politic, be nota violentdepraving and wiiestmgof the statute.
4. -^^ But if the statute be tal(:en as it is urged, the felonjr
jnust consist in the wusdidkms intent,' wherein i appeal finrt
• Sliype^s AmuOiy voL if « p. S|8-^a0.
so LIVES OF TUB PURITANS.
Ui G^nI, and tlicn to nil men who have knrmn the eoune
of my life, and to your lordnhipft* own coniiciencesy wfaelbi:r
you can find me guilty of any act, in all my life, that
•avoured of any malice or maiicioiM intent against her
nutj^y* And if your comiciefirefi clear me before God^ I
faofie you will not procured to judgment,
b. ^' By the lawn ot God, and, I tni*t aliifi, by the lawa of
the land, the witneMes ought to have been produced in open
court lx;fore me ; but they were not, nor any thing else,
only certain papers and reports of defiositions* This kind
of evidence is not allowed in the case of lands, and, there-
fore, it ought much less to Ih; allowevi in the case of life.
6* " None of the di;prwitions directly prove me to be the
author of the Imok in qui?stion; and the principal witiMM
is wo grieved for what he has done, that he is ashamed to
come where he is known.
7* ^< Supposing I were the author of the book, let it be
lememberra that the said book, for substance, contains
notliing but what is taught and believed by the best
reformed churches in Europe ; so that in condemning me,
you comlemn all such nations and churches as hold tlie
same doctrine. If the punishment be for the manner dl
writing) this may be thought by some worthy of an
admoniiion^ otfme^ ox $ome nhart impriMonment ; but drMh
for an error ofsuch a kind, cannot but be extreme cruelty,
against one who has emhMvoured to shew himself a dutiful
subject, and a faithful minister of the g<ispel.
" If all this prevail not," says Mr. IJdal, " y<4 my
Redeemer liveth, to whom I commcmd myficlf, and say, as
Jeremiah once said, in a case not much unlike mine,
^ Behold, I am in your hands to do with me whatsoever
seemeth good unto you ; but know you this, that if you )mt
me to death, vou shall bring innocent blrxxl upon your
own heads, and upon the land.* K% the blofxl oi Abel^ so
tlie blood of Udal^ will cry to Gwl with a loud voice, and
the righteous Judge of the land will require it at the luwds
of all who shall be found guilty of it."*
All that lie could sa^ proved unavailalile. His reasons
were rejected ; and his judges remained inflexible^ unless
lie would sign the recantation drawn np ton Um ; wmeb bis
conscience not suflfcring him to do^ MBfOMB of dartb was
passeil upon him Febniarjr SOtiii wad wamwHtm wnmAy • J
awarded. WhenbereoeiviMl'llii^ ■
UDAL. 21
be was hot in the least dismayed, bui with great serioosnessy^
said, "God's will be done."« The next morning, the
judges, by direction from court, ^ve private orders to put
off his excy^ution, until her majesty's pleasure was further
known. All this was done by the particular appointment
of Whitgift. " For Dr. Bancroft, by his order, wrote to
Puckering, signifying, that, if Udal's submission did not
satisfy him, it was the archbishop's pleasure that he should
proceed to judgment, and command his execution ; but
afterwards defer the same, till her majesty's pleasure be
consulted. "f In the mean tune, the Dean of St. Paul's and
Dr. Andrews were sent to persuade him to sign the recan-
tation ; which he still peremptorily refused. And, l)ecause
the queen had been misinformed of his opinions, Mr. Udal,
by the motion of Sir Walter Rawleigh, who highly
esteemed him, sent her majesty a short confession of hit
faith, as follows :
"I believe, and have often preached," says he, "that
the church of England is a part oiibe true visible church,
the word and sacraments being truly dispensed ; for which
reason, I have communicateid with it several years at;
Kingston, and a year at Newcastle-upon-Tyne; and do
still desire to be a preacher in the same church. There*
fore, I utterly renounce the schism and separation of the
Brownists. — I do allow the articles of idigion, as far as
they contain the doctrine of faith and sacraments, according
to law. — I believe the queen's majesty hath, and ought to ^
have, supreme authority over all persons, in all causes
ecclesiastical and civil. Ahd if the prince command any
thing contrary to the word of God, it is not lawful for sub-
jects to rebdl or resist, but, with patience and humility, to
bear the punishment laid upon them. — ^I believe the church,
rightly reformed, ought to be governed by ministers, assisted
by ddersy a& in the foreign reformed churches. — I believe
the censures of the church ought merely to concern the
soul, and may not impeach any subject, much less any
prince^ in liberty of body, goods, dominion, or any earthly
privile^: nor do I believe that k christian prince ought
otharwise to be subject to church censures, than our
gracious queen professes herself to be by the preaching of
• State Tryals, toI. i. p. 157.
t Baker*s MS. Collec. yo\. it. p. 105.— Notwithstanding these barba-
rous proceed in|^, Whitgift is styled a pioos and a prudent prelate, and a
■lan not given to boisterous things, bat one just and fair io all bis ways.—-
fTharton'i Troubles ofX^tudy vol. i. p. 80.
n LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
2e word and the adroiii&tlratioii df the Rac'ranients. My
Nrire ifl) that her majeity mAy be truly informed of every
thing 1 hold) that I may obtain her gracious farouri
without which, I do not wish to live/'*
This declaration of his <liith, Mr. Udal e^nt to Sif
IValter Rawleigh, requesting him to present it to her
mai^ty. In the letter enclosing this declaration, dated
February 32, 1591, I^e earnestly solicits this honouraUe
person to be a means with the ^ueen in procuring his
pardon, or changing his sentence into banishment, that the
knd might not be charged with his blood. In this letter
he says, <^ I beseech you to be a means of appeasing h^
m^esty's indignation, conceived against me from false
accusation. I^r'God is my witness, that no earthly thing
wHs ever so dear to me, as to nonour her majesty, and to draw
her subjects id do the same : and of the truth of this, I tmft^
my very adversaries will be witnesses when I am dead.'*f
Kinj^ James of Scotland wtote, also, to the queen, in
Ij^haU of Mr. Udal, nioit eamestlv requesting, that, f6r tibe
sake of his intercemon, the good man mignt be spared^
promising the same fatour to her maiosty in any matter shd
might recommend to fail attention. This letter, dated Jont
10, 1591, is still pre8erved.t The Turkey merchants,
about the same time^ offered to send him as chaplain to oM
of their fiietories abroad, if he might have bis life and
liberty ; to which Mr. Udal consentra, as appears from fais
letter to the lord treasurer. He says, '' My case is lamentable,
having now been above three years in durance, which
niakds me humbty desire your lordship's favour, that I maj
be released lirbm my imprisonment, tne Turkey merchalili
kaving my consent io so llito Syria or Guinea, tikene to
ranain two years with their factories, if my liberty can ba
obtained.^' The archbishop, it is said, yieklecl to tliis
petition ; the keeper promised io furtlier it ; and the £ail
of Essex had a draught of his pardon ready prefwed, with
this condition, that he should never return without llm
queen's license. But her ntajest^ never signed it ; and the
Turkey ships departing without him,poor unhappy Udal died
a few months alter, in the Marshals^ quite heart-broken
with sorrow and grief, towards the close of the year 1592;^
Fuller denominates Mr. Udal a learned man, Uameless in
« Strype*! WhKsift, p. 875, STS.^Baker*! M8. CoUee. Tol. xt. p. 54^
+ Srrype*! Whltgift, p. S7S.
± Poller*! Church HUt. b. fx. u. 90S, 204.
S 8trype»f Whltgia, p. S77.
biB lifib^ poweiful \fk pniy^y w4 M 1^ profitable Ihmi
pawful in preadiing.t This is ceitfiisJy a very hi^
cbaraQter from a jie^ilpiis cQpfomust ; w4 vhat a pity it vas.
tbat so excellent; a aqinLiter of CJirist should meet witk
such cruel treailtaieot I Ui^ rysmains were decef^lly interred
in the church-yard pf 8t. George's in SoDthwark, near to
the grave of the faiinouih Bishop Bonner. |Iis funeral was
attended by greajt nipibers of the Jj^ndon ministers, whok
baring yisited hiniL jn prison, ih>w wept over the mortal
remains of tfiat man, wbose faith and patience were long
and severely tried, and whp died fat uie testimony of a
gOio<} conscience^ and stands as a monument of the oppres-
sion and cruelty pf tt^ goyerproent puder which he surared.
Upon King Jamie^'s accesi^ion ip the cjrown of England,
it is said, the first person be iliquired after when he came
itttp this Qduntry, was Mr. Uda}; and when be found that
be was dead, be Xf^e^^ ^^ 9y py «^pl then the greatei^
scholar m Eufope is 4^."f
His WoaKs.— I. The Key of die Holy Toasue, witfei a sl^Mjt
pictionary, and a l^axis on certain Psalms, 1508. — ^2. A Commentiuj
on the Lamentations of Jeremiah. — 3. Various Sermons. — 4. llie
State of the Cfiurch of England laid open in a Conference between
Diotrephes a Bishop, TertuUus a Papist, Demetrius an Usurer,
Pandoch|i8. ai^ {[fin-keeper^ and Paul a Preacher of fhi^ Word of
God.}
John Greenwood was a laost distinguished puritan^
^A a ^reat sufferer for nonconformity. The earliest
Recount pf him we meet witti, is, tbat be was for
soHije tin^ chaplaii^ to Lord Rich; but afterwarda
tenoi^Qed his episcppal orders, and became a rigid
firownist. 1%^ congregation of Brownists about London^
becpqiillg pretty numerous, formed themselves into a
cbjurch, A^.\Greenwood be^ chosen doctor or tcache^r^
^d Mr. Francis Johtison pastor, by the sufferage of th^
Jb^tberhoG^.^ Tbis, according to our historians, appeals
to haye been about the year Ip^, or 1593 ; though it was
piobably ^ few yeai^ earlier.|
ypon M^« (jFreenwoodV espousing the opinions of Iba
• • • •
« FQller'8 Church |IisC. b. is. p. 288, 8S3.
f Biog. toritao. toI. tii. p. ixMd. iBdit. 1747.
^ The first of these articles, Mr. U^al wrote inprison, and he is oalj
ntppoMil to be the anther of the Iait-^Parf« of a FhgUktr^ p. SS3,
iFor a circomstantial accooojt of this, see Art. Francii JobUMio.
Stryjpe*! Anaals, toI. iii. p.' 194; i?, p. 176,
24 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Brownists, he became intimatelj acquainted with Mir.
Henry Barrow, a lawyer, and a zealous Brownist. Their
history is so closely interwoven, that we shall consider them
in connexion. They were very contracted in their principles,
and fellow-sufferers in the same cause : yet, with the allow-
ance of some mistaken notions, they were eminently good
men, and very zealous christians. In November, 1586,
having been some time confined in prison, they were
brought before the high conunission, for holding and pro-
pagating schisroatical and seditious opinions, as they are
c^alied ; the most remarkable of which were the following:
— *' That the church of England is no true church. — That
its worship is downright idolatry. — That the church admits
unsanctified persons to her communion. — That the con-,
formable ministers have no lawful calling. — That the
government of the church is ungodly. — That no bishop, or
Treacher in the church, preacheth sincerely and truly. —
]hat the people of every parish ought to choose their own
bishop.— That every elder, though he be no doctor or
pastor, is a bishop. — That all the precise, (meaning those
puritans who were not Brownists,) who refuse the ceremonies
of the church, strain out a gnat, and swallow a camel, and
are hypocrites. — -That all who make or expound any
printed or written catechisms, are idle shepherds. — That the
children of ungodly parents ought not to be baptized.—
And that to use set forms of prayer is blasphemous."* As
we have this catalogue of schismatical and seditious opinions,
from those who would not be at all disposed to favour them,
we conclude that those positions, with their endeavouring to
Eropagate them, were the worst crimes with which they could
e charged. Some of their sentiments were, undoubtedly,
very erroneous and uncharitable ; but others were true and
important, shewing their views of religious liberty.
When Mr. Greenwood and Mr. Barrow appeared before
the high commission, they underwent very close examina- •
tions ; and it was from these examinations their dangerous
doctrines were collected. The examination of Mr. Barrow,
now before me^ is an article so little known, yet so curious,
that I have given it, though at considerable length, in the
following note.f It appears that Mr. Ghreienwood was
• Heylin*t Hist, of Pret. p. 3^, 323.— CoHier't Eccl. Hist. toI. ii. p.
f November 19* 1686, Mr. Barrow appeared at Lambeth, befbi^
Archbialiop Whitgift, bit arcbdeacoa, and Dr. Cotiu. Oo that day,'
beiDf the Lord's dajr* be went to TMt Bfr» Greenwood, and . the other
bretiren, imprisoned in the Clink } wiure he had no sooner arrtred than
GREENWOOD. 2S
imprisoned before Mr. Barrow ; and that, in the numth of
November, 1586, he was confined in the Clink. How long
he had been in a state of imprisonment, previouiB to that
period, it is now difficult to ascertain. We are toU^
Mr. Shepherd, the keeper, locked him up in the priton, tayioj^ he bai
orders from the archbishop so to do. When Mr. Barrow demanded
a sight of bis warrant, be said be should detain him; and if he were
wronged,- he might bring an action against him. Upon this, the keeper
Immediately went to the archbishop at Lambeth, and presently returned^
with two pursuivants. Mr. Barrow was then put into a boat, and carried !•
Lambeth. On their way, Watson, one of the pursuivants, polled oat «
paper from the high commission court at Lambeth, signifying to Mr.
Barrow, that he had a long time sought him. " I told him," says Mr.
Barrow, ** his pains deserved thanks neither of God nor me. I refused
his letter, and would not read it, being under the arrest of the keeper of
the Clink, who then sat by me." Upon their arrival at the archbishop's
palace, after Watson had informed his master of what had passed in the
boat, Mr. Barrow was brought into his presence, when the followiuf
conference took place.
Archbishop. Is your name Barrow ?
Barrow. Yes.
A. It is told me, that you refuse to receive or obey oor letter. Know
yoii what you do ? It is from the high commissioners, and this man It a
parirohrant.
B« I refused to receive or obey that letter, at that time.
A. Why so?
B. Because I was under arrest, and imprisoned without warrant, and
against law ; it was, therefore, too late to bring the letter.
A. Why, may not a counsellor commit to prison by his bare commandment?
B. That is not the question, what a counsellor may do ; but whether
thb man (pointing to the keeper of the Clink) may do it, without warraat,
by the law of the land.
A. Know you the law of the land ?
B. Very little. Yet I was of Gray Vinn, some years. (Here Whitgifl
msd the two Doctors derided his unskilfulness in the law, when Mr.
Barrow said,) Let this pass. I look for little help, by law, against you. I
prey you, why have you imprisoned me, and sent for me in this manner I
A. That shall yon know upon your oath. Will you swear ?
B. I hold it lawful to swear, if it be done with due order and circnm*
ttances,
A. Reach a book, and hold it him.
B. What shall I do with it ?
A. Lay your hand upon it, man.
B. For what purpose ?
A. To swear.
B. I use to swear by no books.
A. Yon shall not swear by the book, bot by God only*
* B. So I purpose, when I swear.
Cosins. Did you never take an oath at the assize, before the jodges ?
B. No.
C. Would yon there refuse to lay yonr hand on a book, and swear ?
B. Yes.
C. Then yonr testimony would not be taken.
A. Why, man, the book is no part of the oath : it is but a ceremony.
B. A needless and wicked ceremony.
A. Mrhy, know yoa what yoo lay ) Kaow you what book it is ? It ^
fha Bible.
/
» LIVES aP tm FUWTANS.
tmkod, tb«( purmiffanto eotoml, 4^ n tot0 homr ^ tbn
mgf^ Hito an honest cUizen'ft lioose^ in liU^gate-biU $ aii^
karing wed tlieir ow» p}c»6ure^ in se^rcbing all pl^cos,
B. I will swear hy p« SiMe.
, C. fichieomlin »re Always claiq#fomr» It If |( pfrpcln^ not* to know
tlwQ by.
A. Dr. CosiiM saitb true. Soe^ were ^be Pooalistf of old. Ap4 soch
•rt tboa, aed ail other sphismatics, fpcb pi Iboip ^rt.
' B. fifty yoar f^leasare^ God ii^gjvf yotp, I am nekber scbifin^lic, ifor
flaatoroat. I opljr amwer yoyr de^i^nd^. |f you wH), | wiU be •ileot.
A. Well, will y<Ni lay your band upon tbe Bil^le, and lake aa oath ?
B. I we t4j»m no creaturet to tbe name of God, in afi o^atb*
A. Neithef »ball yoa. Tbif ic only a avHom .cofnoiavded by law.
B. The law ooght not to cooinand a wicked custom.
A* Why, Is it not lawful to lay yoiw hand on a book ?
B. Yes, bat not in aa oath.
A. Will yon lay yoqr baii4 in my hand iu>4 fWf ar ?
B. No.
A. Will you lay your hand on the table and swear*
* B. No.
A. Will yoB bold «p yovr ban^ tawacds be«Ten aad sweiu* ?
; B. That Is not amisf . Bnl I will as^ my liberty.
A. Why, you hold it lawful to lay your hand on the table and fWiear.
B. Yes, if It be mH commanded ^ad m^de neeessary.
A. Why, the book is the same. It is no part of the oath,l>l^^ thjog
MiffieDent.
B. If it be not •/ ih§ 9gih^ why do 3'on so penemptprily enjoiji^ it I
And if it be iniiffwenty afi you «fiy it is, then I do well la not using }U
\ A. N«y, you do not well in refusiiog it. For therein y^n pbew youraelf
disobedient to tbe bigber powers, set over yoa by God.
B« You have even now said it is a thing indifferei^. If it be, there ^ U9
power that can bring my liberty into bondage.
A. Where find you that i
B. la i Corinthians. — Here a Tealament was given Him, but the ftrch-
bishop and the others so interrupted bim> tbat he could f^t fi^d ^e pj^ice.
A. Your divinity is^ke your law.
B. The word of God is not tbe worse for my 111 mempi^.
A. You speak not as yoa think, for yon are pr^ad.
B. I have small cause to be proud of my memory : yoa see the fynU ^f
it. But the apostle saith it. And you ha^e no cause to condemn my
memory, seeing you have all utterly forgotten llUs saying, ** All things jipre
lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.''
A. I would like it well, if you cited your place in Greek or Latin.
B. Why, you understand English. Is not tbe word of Qod l|i Eagl||ll> ?
A. Were yon of Cambridge F
B* Yes, I knew yon there.
A. Have you read Calvin, Beza, and othen ?
B. I have fead more tban enough.. Y^ X knQW not why f |mi
Imprisoned.
A. it is reported, that you come not to chnrcb, are di«>pbediciiitto |ier
majesty, and say there is no true church in England. What^iiy jv^i
have you no| at any time said this ?
B. These are reports. When you ba^e ^produced your testimony, I
will answer.
A. But I will belter belioTC 90a apoD your XMMbi than .<;i9ther|i . JB^w
ttiy you ? will you answer ? ,
- : GlUINWOOa flr
Iritiiovt warrant, Mr. Oiecnwood and Mr. Fnnds Johnsoi^
whom they earned, between one and two o^clock at nigiii^
to Ae Compter fai Wood-atreet. Mr. Edward Boys, tk*
•wn^r of the houses lemained a prisoner till the msMt day |
B. I will know what I swear to, before I swear.
A. Swear irst; aod theo, if any thins vnlawAillybedeHiaad^, yo«
•hall not answer.
B. I have oot learned so to swear. I will first know aod coaiSder of
the matter, before i take m oath. — Here the archhitbop comnuuided Dr*
Cosins to record, " That Mr. Barrow refused to swear upon a book.'*'
B. Tes, and set down that I will not answer that at roadooi ; bat I wiU
first know and consider of the things I swear to, whether they repairs aa
oath.
A. Well, when were yoa at charch ?
B. That is aotMog to yoa.
A. You area schismatic, a recosant, and a seditions person.
B. Say what you will of me, I freely forgive yasi.
A. I care not for your forgiveness.
B. But if yon ofiend me, you ought to seek it, whikt you are ia th«
way with me.
A. When were yon at church ?
B. I have answered that already : it beloogeth not to yon.
A. Are you in(Ke(ed ?
B. lam.
A. It belongeth to us, and I wiH not ooly meddle wHb you, but arraiga
you before lae as an Mretit,
B. Toa shall do ao more than God will. Err I a»y i but an heretic I
m\H never be.
A. Will yoa hereafter eocne to church ?
B. Future things are in the Lord's hands. If I do not, you kav« a law«
A. Have you spoken this of the church of England ?
B. When you have produced your witaess, I will answer.
A. Upon year -oath, I wiH Wlieve yoa.
B. But I will not accuse myself.
A. You are lawless.
B. I had •rather yon produced your witness.
A. What occupation are yau of?
B. I am a Gbrlstiau.
A. So are we all.
B. I deny that.
A. Are you a minister ?
B. No.
' A. Are you a icbeolm»ter ?
e. No.
A. Then what trade are yea f
B. In your letter, you know my trade In the snbscriptiott.
A. You are then « -gentleman.
B. After the manner of our oomitry, a jsentleumB.
A. Do you serve any taan?
B. No, I am God's freeman.
A. Have you any lands ?
B. No, nor fees.
A> How do you live?
B. By God's goodness, and my fl'iend's.
- ^ Where dwelleth be, in Norfolk I
■ B. liPfes.
Il; Wierc awm 70a, la Iiofldofi }
n LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
wben, by ihe archbishop and others, they were commiited
close prisoners, two of them to the Clink, and one to the
Fleet. It does not appear, however, whether this was Mr^
Greenwood's first or second imprisonment. In the year
B. No.
^ A, Can yoa find snfficient'secority for yonr good bebaTioir ?
6. Yes, as safficient as yoa can take.
A, You cannot have tbe qaeen.
B. Neither can yoa take her : she is tbe judge of the law. Yet, for my
good beba? ioor, I sappose, I could get ber word.
A. Doth she then know you i
fi, I know her.
A. Else, were it a pity of your life.
B. Not so.
A. Can yoH have any of those who came with yoa, to be bound for yoa ?
B. I think I can.
A. Do yoa know them ?
B. iknow one of them.
A. What is he ?
B. A gentleman of Gray Vinn. '
A. What do you call him ?
B. Lacy.
A. Do you know what bond you are to enter into ? Yoa are to be
boond to frequent our cbarcbes .
B. I understood yon of my good behaviour.
A. That is contained in it, and you had forfeited your bond at firrt.
B. Now that I know your mind, I will enter into no soch bond.
A. Will you enter your bond to appear at our court on Tuesday next;
and so on Thursday, if you be not called ; and be boand not to depart,
until yoa be dismissed by order of our court ?
B. No.
A. Then I will send yoa to prison.
B. You shall not touch one hair of my head, withoot the will of my
beavenly Father*
A. Nay, 1 will do this to rectify yon.
B. Consider what you do. You shall one day answer for it.
A. You will not swear, nor enter a bond for your appearance.
B. 1 will put in bond for my bail in the prison, and for my trne
imprisonment.
A. Nay, that will not serve tbe tarn. Mr. Doctor, enter these things.
J will send some to confer with you.
B. That were more requisite before my imprisonment.
Mr. Barrow was then delivered to the pursuivant, who immediately
carried him to the Gatehouse, where be remained for some time, aoi
knowing tbe cause of his imprisonment. November STth, be appeared a
second time, before the high commission at Lambeth ; upon which, the arch-
bishop, with a black and an angry countenance, beholding him, inquired
whether he would thep swear, which introduced the following conference:
B. I would not refuse to swear on a proper occasion.
A. Will you now swear?
B. I must first know to what.
A. So you shall afterwards.
B. I will not swear unless 1 know before.
A. Well, I will thus far satisfy your humour.
Here the archbishop pulled out a paper, containing many things coo*
fosedly pot together, according to the malicious liomoar of his- actus^r :<
As, '^That he denied God to have a tr«e cbttrcfc in £P|l9»d.-TTbat4bc
GREENWOOD. M
1592, Mr. Greenwood and his companion IVir. Barrow, had
been confined at least four or five years in chse prison,
with miserable usa^e.*
Mr. Greenwoo(^ /as well as Mr. Barrow, underwent a
worship of the established charch is idolatry. — That the mialifry li
Idolatrevs and aotiGhristiaD.— That the archbishop, and all the bithopt im
the land, are antichrists. — That all the ministers in the land are thieret^
murderers, hirelings, and hypocrites. — That Mr. Wigginton and Mr«
Cajtwright strain oat a. gnat and swallow a cand. — ^TImU he condemnetJl
aU writers, as Calvin, Beza, &c and saith, that all catechisms are idolatroni,
and not to be used.'!
. Bishop of London. How say yoa, Mr. Dean of Paors, here is for yoi.
Yoti have written a catechism.
. A. This fellow deals indifferently, and makes ns all alike. Thus far I
)iave satisfied you. .Now. yon know what yoir shall swear to. How say
you ? will you now swear?
Bp. My lord's grace doth shew this favour to many.
A. Fetch a book.
B. It is needless.
A. Why, will you not swear now ?
B. An oath is a matter of great importance, and requireth great eon-
sideration. But I will answer you truly. Mnch of the matter in thi«
bill is true. But the form is false.
A. Go to, sirrah, answer directly. Will yon swear? Reach him a
book...
B. There Is more cause to swear mine accuser. I will not swear.
A. Where is his keeper ? Yon shall not prattle here. Away with hlau
Clap him up c/05«, close : let no nmn come to him. 1 will make him tall
another, tale, ere I have done with him.
i Mr. Barrow was then immediately carried again to prisoa, where be re-
maiaed in close confinement till March 24th follow ing ; when he was brougltt
before the two Lord Chief Justices, the Lord Chief Baron, the Archbithop
pf C^terbnry, and the Bishops of London and Winchester, and many
others. Upon his appearance, he was commanded to lay his hand apoa
the Bible, which led to the following conversation:
B. For what end must I do this ?
.A. To swear.
B. I have not learned to swear by any creatures.
A. This is the word of God, the Bible.
B. The book is not the eternal God himself, by whom only I mwt iwear,
aifd not by any books or bibles.
A. So you shall swear by God.
B. To what purpose then is the book urged ? I may swear by nothiof
lieiides him, and by nothing with him.
, Bbhop of Winchester. How prove you that ?
B. It is so commanded in the book of the law, Deut. vi. 10., and to
expounded by several of the prophets, by Jesus Christ MmMlf, and his
apostles.
A. Well, will you swear that you will answer nothing bat the truth, and
the whole truth, to such interrogatories as we shall denmod of yon I
' B. I wiU know the matter, before I either swear or answer.
A. Set down, that he will not swear.
L. C. Justice. You shall only swear to answer to the truth. If aay
aalawful thing be demanded of yon, you need aot answer.
B. My lordy every truth requireth not an oath. An oath requiretJi
* * • .• 8trypc*t Amals, vol* If . p. 95, 96.
W LIVES OF THK FUUTANS.
eb^e farmnHialiop, He appeared ai London palace, before
the Archbishop of Canteiiiury, the Bishops ot London and
Winchester, the two Lord Chief Justices, the Lord Chief
Ustnmy the Massbsr of the Hoik, and others. Upon his
^rettl itglurd and reverence, sod heiugdtmfped for conSroMitioii, ought t«
ht tM9 ead of all strife. My lord, if I ilioald err, and deliver k apon my
^Bik for tmthy it woold be a doable tin. Aad if I thoold either aot koow^
not remeBiber,or aot deliver the whole tralh, Ishoaid, by tach a rash oath,
Ik lorawora. Bot, by God's grace, I will answer Bothiag Irat the trath.
A. A christiaB aaa's word oag bt to be as true as hie oath. We will
then proceed with yoa withoatyoar oath. What say yoa to this questioaf
It it lawful to say the PaUr-n^tttr publicly » as a prayer ia the charch, or
privately, or not?
B. I kuow not what you mean by your Pater-aoster, unless yoa perad-
veatare mean the form of pvayer which oar 8avioar taagfat his dkdplefl,
coamionly called the Lord's prayer.
A. So I mean.
The following articles of ioqairy were then proposed to Mr. Barrow, to
which he gave the answers annexed.
1. May the Lord's prayer be used in the charch ?
Ia my opioioh it is rather a sammary than aa ea|oiaed form ; and not
fiodiag it ined by the apostles, I think it may aot be constaatly used.
2. May titurgies or forms of prayer l>e wed ia the cbarch ?
Imih^ word of God, I find no authority given to any maa to impose them
apon the charch ; and it is, therefore, high presumption to impose them.
5. IslhcCUHnmoo Piayer idolatrous, saperstitioas, and po|iish f
ia my opiiition, it Is.
4. Are the sacraments of the church of England trve sacraments ?
As they are publicly administered, (hey are not trae sacmmeats.
^. Are >the laws and government of tlie charch of Boglaad aalawfal
aad antiohriglian ^
As the decrees oad caaons of the church are ao naaieroas, I can&ot
jadge of all ^ bat many of them, and the ecdeiiastical courts and govemoM,
■re onlamrfiil and4Miticbristi8a.
6. Are such as have l>eeti baptized in the church -of England rightly
baptized ? or should they be baptized agala ?
They are not baptized according to the institution of Christ; yet they
may not need it again.
7. Is the church of England the true church of Cbrht ?
4As It 1s<iidwFoTnied,4t isnot; yet there are many exceUeot «hri»tiaos
in it.
8. Is the queen supreme governor of the church, and may she make lawr
Jbritl
The queen is supreme governor of -the whole land, and ovor^be ohupch,
|>odies and goods ; but may not make any other laws for the chorah of
Mritft, thati-be Jlatfaileft'in bis word.
^. ti it^lvwlril Ivrtbe prhree to alter the judicial law of M^ses^?
I cannot see it lawful for any one to alter the least part of thstiairi
irWhont il(ili%^li^itry to >the moral km, and opposing the will of God.
10. May:a<prrate person refbrm'the thuroh,«rf the pvinoe negleot<k ? •
No private pemms ni»y i*<$form the state, but >tbey ought 'to ^taio -ftom
all unlawful things commanded by the pi^ince.
4U Oo|fbt<«very paftivalar church of Christ to hanre a presbytery ?
The government df ^the 'dhurch «of Christ iwilongethnot to 'Ibefin^^odlgr,
tMit every panrtioiilar ohorch^ou^ht to-have-en tfldership.
After giving thesa answers, he was sent back to prison, where he waft
Alosaly coollned^ i^ fpiiefbfiqg flawed Jko «e« f|ii«i,4»r«peak to hiai. And
GREENWOOtK M
appearance, ceiiain ktettogAtortes Wel« put to hiitt/ as
follows :
Q. What is your natte ?
G. JohnGreeawoodk
k^Hngh ht ettnmaf rtqticmi a €bfj t>f liii sMweft, Ibe Ikimnr cotldiiol
be obtAkM^di
JoDe f a, 1J6T, Mr. ftrttlMr was ^igftHi fcrM^ op, aftd mterwcnt
kBOther feimniiNrtioa^ httbft Hie AttbaMMl)^, lh« Lord diftttcellor, the
Loud TreMtrer; Lerd BoeMMinft, tWt Bi«liop ef London, lostlce Yonoi;,
Dr. Some, aad others. The Lord Treasurer introdated his eaaiDinstion al
follows :
Trea^arer. Wky mtt yen la prisM, Battow f
B. I am id prisoo, my lord. Upon the atatate nade for Micannts. ■
T. Why will you oot com^ tib cMftthf
B. My whole desire is to come to the church of Ood.
'■ T. Is^dMuaitafiBltfsHealfeilow. Bat^fbynotcometoovtclrarcbes?
B. My hird, the causes are gt«at «iid many : .as, — 1. Because aH tia
wricttd la tfte Mad are retHf«d «ato Hkt coamHrafoa.— 4. Yon bare a Wbt
and an aotichristiaa toiaittry aete^er year chardi. — S, Ton do not wonhlj^
Godarighty bat in an idolatrous and a superstitious manner. — And, 4. Tear
cba^h is sot |;av«raed by the IVstaliKAt df Christ, bat by tlw ftoadsb
courts and canons.
T. florfe «i matter etobagb, indeed. I perceiye tboa takcst ddight to be
an author of this new religion.
Chaiic€41or. I oeter beard sack Htuff la aH ny life.
Loadon. Is the Wolrship «f tlite c^uirh idolatrous ?
B. la tfie Book of CoraaiDa Ptayef, there is little else: as, the saiali'*
days, eves, fosts, idoUfeadts, ftc.
Lond. Sfliy there. Is it aet la^l^l to ke^p m taemorial of the laiBti ia
tbednific^?
«. Not aftM* thte aaan^r. it is idbMtry.
Lond. Baw prove yoe ttet ff
B. By the first commandment.
Load. Why, ttat is, *' Thoa thalt %ave no otber Gods bfefora ae."
What of that ?
B. The words u^, ** Thou shah hstrt no other Oods btjbre my /kss.'*
We are, therefore, forbidden to gi^e aay part of God's worship to aay
creature.
Land." Why, ^neither do we^
B. Yes, you celebrate a day, and sanctify an cr^, alid call tbcn by the
names of saints ; and thus younal^e a fpast,aad devise a worship unto tiiem.
T. Why, may ire not call the day by their names ? Isaot this in our
liberty ?
Bk No, toy lord.
T. How do yoa prove that ?
6. tn the beginning of the Bible, it iiB written, that God biAidf named
all the days, the first, the second, &c.
T. Then we may not call them Sunday, Monday, &c.
B. We are otherwise taught to call them, in the word of 6Sod«
T. Why, thou thyself eallesi Sirnday, the Lord^t dag.
B. And so the Holy Ghost calleth it, in the first of Revelation.
Lond. We baveiiothSng in our saints'-days, l>nt what is taken forth of the
•eriptures.
B. in that, you say true-; for yon find ifo saints'-days in the «criptiu«t.
Lond. We find their histories and deeds in the scriptare.
B. Bm aot theit days aad Csstivals.
Backhant. Ha !»• praiia s^rit.
IC LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Lay yoBT hand upon the book. You must take aa
oath. '
G. I will swear by the name of God, if there be any
need ; but not by, or upon, any book.
T. He has a hot brain. How do you like the collects, and epwtles and
gospels, for the saints^-days, as they are in the Book of Common Prayer?
B. I dislike all. We ought not so to use prayers and scriptures.
Lond. May we not make commemoration of the saints' lives in the cbarch ?
B. Not after your manner, by giving peculiar days, eves, fasts, feasts,
und worship, unto them. ...
1*. What is there idolatrous in this ?
Bl It is all idolatrous. We ought not so to use the scriptares.
Lond. What not in commemoration of the saints ?
B. A's I have said, not after your manner. ,
T. What evil is there in it ?
B. It is all evil, my lord. For, by thus abusing the scripture, we make it
an idol. Things in themselves good, thus become evil. As, in the mass-
iook, whence this stuff is taken, there are sundry good collects and places
^ scripture, which superstitious abuse renders abominable.
Buck. He is out of his wits.
B. No, my lord^ I speak the words of truth and soberness, as I could
make appear, if I might be suffered.
T. Here we pray, that our lives may be such as theirs were, void of
covetousness.
B. So we ought to do. Tet not to use the scriptures in this manner to
days and times, nor to be so restrained or stinted in our prayers, as to be
tied to this form of words, time, place, manner, kneeling, standing, &c.
BueJt. This fellow delighteth to hear himself talk/ ,
A. He is a sower of errors ; and, therefore, I committed him.
B. Tou, indeed, committed me half a year close prisoner in tht
Gatehouse, and I never uutil now understood the cause, neither do I yet '
know what errors they are. Shew them, therefore, I pray you.
Bucit. He has a presumptuous spirit.
B. My lord, all spirits must be tried and judged by the word of God.
But if I err, my lord, it is meet 1 should be shewn wherein.
Chan. There must be stricter laws made for such fellows.
B. Would to God there were, my lord, our journey would then be tlw
shorter.
T. You complained to us of injustice ; wherein have you received wrong )
B. By being imprisoned, my lord, without due trial.
T. Too said you were condemned upon the statute.
B. Unjustly, my lord. That statute was not made for us.
T. There must be stricter laws made for you.
B. O, my lord I speak more comfortably. We have sorrows enow.
T. Indeed, thou lookest as if thou hadst a troubled conscience.
B. No, my lord, I praise God for it. But it is an awful thing, that the
tword of bur prince should thus be drawn against her faithful subjects.
T. The queen's sword is not yet drawn against Mr. Barrow and hit
fellow-prisoners.
B. We have been long confined in close prison.
T. Have you not had a conference ?
Lond. Several have been with them, whom they mocked.
B. We have mocked no man. Miserable physicians are you all. WTt
desired a public conference, that all might knaw our opinions, and wherein
we err.
A* Tou shall have no such conference, you have published too much
already; and, therefore, I committed you close prisonen.
GREENWOOD* SS
Qi We will examine you then without an oath. Are
jou a minister ?
G. I was one, aooo^dihg to your orders.
Q. Who degraded you ?
B. Bat coBtnury to the law.
T. On such occa8ioQ9 it may be done by law. Have yoa any leatpiog ?
B. The Lord knoweth I am ignorant. I have no l^rning to boast oC»
Bnt this I know, that you are yoid of all true learning and godlincM.
Buck. See the spirit of this man.
A« I have matter to call yoa before me as aa ier^He,
B. That shall yon never do* You know, my former jadfment in that
matter. Err I may ; but heretic, by the grace of God, I will never be.
Buck. That is well "said.
T. Do yon not hold, that it is nnlawfnl to enact a law for piairtert ta
live by tithes, and that the people be required to pay them ?
B. My lord, such laws are abrogated and nnlawful.
T. Thon wouldst have the minister to live upon something. What shoalf
be live of?
B. Wholly of alms, as Christ hath ordained,and as he and his apostlct lived.
T. How if the people will not give ?
B. Such are not the people of God.
T. But what shall the^in^sliers do, in the n^ean time?
B. Not stand as ministers to snch, neither receive the goods of the probne.
T. Where canst thou shew me, from scripture, that ministers ought not
to live by tithes }
B. Heb. yii. 12., Gal. vi. 6. In the one place tithes are abrogated $ ia
the other, another kind of provision is made for ministers- The words of
the former text are these : *' For the priesthood being changed, there is
made of necessity a change also of the law;'* and yoa cannot dei>y, tliat
tithes were a part of that law 2 as Numb, xviii.
T. Wouldst thou have the minister tlien to have all my goods ?
B. No, my lord. But I would have you not withhold yoor goods from
helping him : neither rich nor poor are exempted from this duty.
T. Ministers are not now caUed priests.
B. If they receive tithes, they are priests. They are called priests ia
the law.
Load. What is a presbyter, t pray thee ?
B. An elder.
Lond. What in age only ?
B. No. Timothy was a young man.
Lond. Presbyter is Latin for priest.
B. It is no Latin word; bnt is deriyed from the C^reek, and rignlAeth
the same as the Greek word, which is elder.
Lond. What then dost thon make a priest?
B. One that offereth sacrifices ; for so it is always used in the law.
Chan. Do you not know those two men ? pointing al the bishop aad
archbishop.
B. Yes, my lord, I have cause to know them. <
Chan. Is not this the Bishop of London ?
B. I know him for no bishop, my lord.
Chan. What is he then? ^ ^
B. His name is Aylmer, my lord. The Lord pardon my foalt, that I
iid not lay him open as a wofr, a bloody persecutor, and an apostate.
Chan. What i4 that man, pointing to the arehbishop ?
B. He is a monster ; a miserable compound ; I know not what to maka
•f him. He is neither ecclesiastical nor civil» bat that sccaad baail
ipoken of la BfvelatiODi
YOL. IL B
'« LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
G. I derailed myself, through God's mercy, by xe^^iM*
ance. (IVfeaning when he renounced his episcc^pid otaeif^
and separated from the established church.)
Q. Is it lawful to use the Lord's prayer, publidy otipA'
yately, as a prayer ?
G. It is a doctrine by which to direct all our prayers ;
but, for certain reasons, no man ca» use it as a pubuc or
private prayer.
Q. Is it lawfiil, or not ? I will hear no prattling'.
G. From any thing I can see in scripture, it is not la^wftil.
There is no command to say the very wo^; and Christ
and his apostles prayed in other words, according to their
necessities.
Q. Is it lawful io use any stinted forms of prayer, ih
purUyLc or private ?
G. They are apocrypha, and may not be used in public
assemblies. 'Ithe wordf, and the graces of the spirit of God,
are only to be used there.
Q. Answer directly. Is it lawfid to use thetit publicly
or privately?
Gf. Paul saith, << The spirit also helpeth our infirmities^
for we know not what we should pray for as we ought ; but
the spirit maketh interces$idn for us.
Q. What ssLy you } Answer directly^
G. It does not appear lawful to use stinted jtfayers, in*
vented by men, dther publicly or privately, from any thing
I can see in the scriptures.
Q. What say you then of the Book ef Common Prayer ?
Is it suberstitions, popish, and idolatrous?
G. 1 beseech you, that I may not be urged by your
law. I have long been a close prisoner, and, therefore,
desire you will shew me wherefore I am treated thus, and
not entangle me by your law.
Q. Is it not youf law, as well as ours ? It is the queen's
law. You are a good subject,
G. I am a true.and obedient subject. But I thought we
wa^e reasoning about your p<^ish canons.
T. Where is the place ? Shew it.
Wheu Mr. Barrow tamed to Rev. ziii., with a view to shew the treasurer^
the archbishop arose, aod in anger gnashiof; bis teeth, he said, ''^Will
5oe suffer him, my lords V* Itien by the wardens, Mr. B. was immediataly
pluclced from «ff his Icne^, and carried away. As he departed, he desirea
of the treaserer, that, dnrinf his confinement in prison, he might enjoy the
liberty bf the air, but raeeirea no answer. He was, therefore, carried to
inriiton, and closely confined for several years, and met with the mest cruel
usage."— £ara»tjfia^0n9 p/ Bffrrotr. Greenw«oi{, oni Ftnry^ p. S^^l.
GBJBENWOOD. 96
Q. Is not the CammQii Prayer Book established by the
queen's laws ?
L. C. Justice. Tell us what you think of the Book of
Gommoa .Prayer : you shall have liberty to call back .what
you will.
G. If it were in a free confer^ce^ as we have often
desired, I would do it.
Bishop of Winchester. Have you not used .these words
a year ago, << It is popidi, superstitious, and idolatrous ?"
G. xea^ I think I have. For it was taken out of the
pope's portuis.
Q. Why would yon not answer thus befiyre ?
G. Because I see you go about to bring me within the
compass of your law, by makiog me accuse myself.
' J. Anderson. What do you say of it now ?
G. That there are many errors in it; and the fcrm of it
is disagreeable to the scriptures.
A. Is it contrary to the scriptures ?
G. It must neeas be contrary, if it be disagfeeaUe.
Winch. Do you hold it to be popish, superstitious, and
Idolatrous?
G. I have told you what I think of it I hold it is full
of errors, and the form of it disagreeable to the scriptures.
Q. What say you of nuucriage? Did you not many one
Boman and his wife in the fleet ?
G. No. Neither is marriage any part of the minister's
office.
Q. Who used prayer }
G. I think, that I used prayer, at that time.
Q. Who joined their hands together ?
G. I know no such thing. They publicly acknowledged
their consent before the assembly.
Stanhope. I will make them do penance for it.
G. There are others who have more need to shew open
repentance than they.
Winch. They make such marriages under a hed^. It
hath been an order long received, to marry by a nunister.
G. There were many faithful witnesses of their mutual
consent And if it were not lawful, we have many ancient
lathers, who, by your judgment, did amiss.
Q. What say you of the church of England ? Is it a
true established church of God ?
G. The whole conm&onwealth is not a church.
Ander. But do you know any true ertablished church in
<he land ?
9S LIVES Of TBB PURITANS.
G. If I did, I woold not accuse it imio ymi.
Q. But what say you? is not the whole Ittid, as nofr
ordered, A tmb establmhed church t
Q. No, not as the assemUies geoMdIy are. If it pkasi
you, I will shew you the reasons.
Jus. No, you shall have enough to shew hereafter. It m
not to be stood upon now.
Q. What do you say of the church of England, as itJs
governed by bishqps ? Is it antichristian ?
G. According to the bislKips,and laws it is now govened
by, it is not according to the scriptures.
Winch. Thou hast the scriptures often in thy moutli* Is
it antichristian?
G. Yes, I hold it is contrary to ChristVwofd^ >
Q. What say you then of .the sacraments i Ave iliey«
true sacraments ? •
G. No. They are not rightly administered, aceovding ii
the institution of Christ, nor have they* the pioaiis^ of
graces because you keep not the covenant.
Q. Speakplainly. Are they true sacramarts, or not ?
G. No. For if you have no true church, you can luiv#
no true sacraments.
Q. How say you, are we baptiied ?
G. You have the outward sign, which is washing ; but
no true sacrament.
Q. How can that bel
G. Very well.» *
Q. Is it lawful baptism ?
G. Yes.
Q. Need we then be baptiied again ?
G. No.
Q. 'Should we be baptized at all ?
G. Yes. For if we contemn it, we deny the possesion
of grace.
Q« Do you hold it lawful to baptize children ?
G. I am no anabaptist, I thank God.
Q. How far do you differ from them ?
G. As far as truth is from error.
Q. You have a boy unbaptized. How old .is be ? »
G. A year and a half.
Q. What is his name?
G. Abel,
Q. Who gave him that name i
« Here Mr. Greenwood attempted to aniga reaioiii for wbat Jie laidt bat
wai not laffered to proceed.
- 'omsENWoen. at
G. Myfldf, being fiitber.
Q, miy hadi he not been bttptUBed ?
6. Because I have bei» in priacm, and amnot tell irhert
tp go to a refonooed clHirch^ wbere I iniglit have kim bap-
tized ac^cording to God's ordinance.
Q. Will you go to duiich, to St Bridges?
G. I know of no such church.
Q. Will you go to St. Paul's ?
G. No.
Q. Do you not hold a parish to be the diurch ?
G. If dl tte pec^e ivere faithful, haying God*s law and
ordinances practised among them, I do.
Q. Do you then hold, that the parish doth make it no
4hureha *.
G. No. But the profession which the people make.
• Q. Do you hold that the' diurch ought to be governed
by a presbytery ?
G. Yes, eviery coingr^atioQ of Christ ought to be go-
verned 1^ that presb^ery whieh Christ hath appointed.
Q. What are those officers ?
./G; A pastor, teacher, and dder.
Q. And must the church be goremed by no other
officers ?
G. No, by no others than Christ hath appointed.
Q. May this people and presbytery reform such things as
are amiss, without the prince ?
G. They ou^t to practise God's laws, and correct
vice by fhe censure of tne word.
Q. What if the prince/or&ttf them ?
G. They must, nevertheless, do that which God com-'
§umdeih.
Q. If the prince otttaady may the presbytery ezcom*-
srunicate him ?
, G. The whole church may excommunicate any member
of that church, tf the party continue obstinate in open
transgreteion.
Q. May the prince be excommunicated ?
G. There is no exception of persons ; and I doubt
not that her majesty would be ruled by the word. For it
m not the men^ but the zDord j>f Body that bindeth and
looseth.
Q. May fhe prince then make laws for the government
of the church ?
G. The scripture balh set down sufficient laws for the
aB UYtS OF THE PDEITANS.
wogdiip of God^ and the goreniae&t of the i^uich; se
fbt no man may add nnto it, nor diminish from it.
Q. What MtLj joQ of the prince's snpremacy 2 Is hef
nsKsty suprane hnd of the church, in all causes^ ai'
weu ecdeuastical, as civU ?
G. Sbe is sapreme magistr^ o?er all peiaoni, to punish
the eyil, and d^end the good.
Q. Is she over off emcfef ^
G. No. Christ is the only head of his chnrch; and his
laws may no man alter.
Q. But the pope giyeth this to princes, doth he not ?
G. No, he cloth not. He setteUi himsdf above princo^
and exempteth his priesthood from the magistrate's sword.
Q» What say Vou of the oath of suprranacy i Do you
apmore of it ?
G. If these ecclesiastical orders mean such as are agree-
able to the scriptures, I do. For I deny all foreign power.
Q. It means the order and goyemment, witii aD the laws
in the church, as it is now established.
G. Then 1 will not answer to approve c£ it.*
From the above examination, the reader will clearly se^
that Mr. Greenwood's judges designed to make him accuse
himself. Though he positively refused to take the oalh
ex officio^ they certainly intended to make him an ofiender
by what they could force from his own mouth. Cruel
inquisitors I What would they have thought, if the^ them«
selves had been treated thus, in the Moody days of Qwen
Mary ? Such shocking barbarities will be a stigma upon
the ecclesiastical rulers of this protestant counUy, to the
latest posterity.
At the close of the abovi examination, Mr. Greenwood
was carried back to prison, where he remained a lon^ time
under close confinement. Here he had many companions hs
bondage, as appears from a paper now before m^ aitifle^
^^ The names of sundry faitbfid Christians imprisoned bjr
the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of London,
for the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." In this paper it
is obiervea, that Mr. Greenwood and Mr. Barrow had been
imprisoned thirty weeks in the Clink, for reading a portion
of scripture in a frierid's house on the Lord's day, but
were removed by an habeas carpus to the Fleet, where tbeK
by upon an execution of two hundred and sixty poundb
« EsMBlBstiooi of Bsrrowi Gret nwoo4, ani Penry, p. 88— 8S.
GREENWOOD. S9
ci^iece« Heniy Thompfion and Georee Collier were com«
mitt^ to the Clink by the Bishop of London, for hearing
Mr. Greenwood read a portion of scripture as above ob*
served ; and had remained prisoners nineteen months withoot
bdhg called* to answer. Jerome Sindiey was sent to the
.Compter, by his lordship, for refnsing to answer interroea^
lories, where he remained Sfteen months. Christopher
iloper was committed close prisoner by the Bishop of Lon-
don. fidw^H-d Boys was nineteen months in Bridewell, and
afterwards close prisoner in the Clink. John Chamber was
committed to the same prison, for hearing Mr. Greenwood
read as above, where he died. Roger Jackson was sept
«lose {Hrisoner to Newgate, where he died. George Bright,
for commendinff a faithful christian under persecution, was
committed to Newgate, where he died. Maynard, Roe,
and Barrow, three aged widows, were cast into Newgate,
by the Bisjiop of Lpndon, for hearing Mr« Greenwood reaa
a^rtion of scripture^ and two of them died of die
infection of the prison. Quintin Smyth was committed ta
Newgate, confined in a dungeon, loaded with irons, and his
Bible itaken from him.. John Piurdye was sent to Bridewell
by the Archbishop of Canteibury, where he was confined in
a place called LUile Eascy and beaten with CMdgels, for
xwmng to {^tend the ^emrice of the parish chiUQc]^. There
are many 4>thers who underwent similar barbarous uswe ;•
but these are given as a specimen, shewing the q)irit of the
iiines, and the crael oppressions of the lonilv prelates.
Suiing these inhuman proceedings, the Bishop of London,
and others of the high commission, appointed forty-three
ministers to confer with the same number pf Browni^ con-
fined in the different prisons in and about London; (the
names of whom, as well as the prisoners, are now before
me ;) and delivered unto tbera for their direction, << A Brief
>of the Positions held by the new Sectaries, being twelve in
iraiijber.'' These twelve positions, as charged against them
by their adversaries, are full oi errQniM>i|3. heretical, and
blasphembus opiiMons ; hut they contl^n uttl^ n^pre than
misirepres^tatioi^. Therdbre, to these positions they pub-
lisbea a reply, entitled << A brirf Answer to certain slanderous
sod ungodly Calumniations spread- abroad by the Bishops
imd their Adherents, against mvers faithful and true Chns-
iians,'V 1590. In this piiM^e, they absolutely denied the
|W4 odious chiuges brought against them, and openly
• Baker'i Mj^ Co.qsc. Ypl. ziy. P* 911.
40 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
deokred what thej believed in all the twdve particuIaTa;
and it appears, my autlior adds^ that they held very few or
none of those false doctrines or positions with which they
were charged.*
Mr. Greenwood and Mr. Barrow united with about sixty
other prisoners^ in laying their case at the feet of the lora
treasurer. This they did by presenting a petition to this
honourable person, called <^ The humble Petition of many
?oor Christians, imprisoned by the Bishops in ^ndiy
'risous in and about London." In this petition, they
earnestly beseech this great statesman, either to grant them
speedy trial, or some christian conference ; or, in the mean
time, that they might be bailed according to law : or, that
he would move their cause before the rest of her majesty's
most honourable privy council. They then state their case
in the following very moving language : — " May it please
<' your lordship to understand, th^ we^ her majesty's loyal^
^< dutiful, and true-hearted subjects, to the number of three-
^^ score pers(His and upwards, have, contrary to all law and
'^ equity, been imprisoned, separated from our trades, wives,
'< children, and families ; yea, shut up close prisoners from
<< all comfort : many of us the space of two years and a
^' half, upon the bishops* sole commandment, in great
^^ penury, and noisome prisons ; many ending their Iives^
<^ never called to trial; some haled forth to the sessions;
^* some put in irons and dungeons ; some in hunger and
<< famine. All of them debarred from any lawful audience
^< before bur honourable governors and magistrates, and
<< from all help and benefit of the laws : daily defiuned and
^^ falsely accused, by published pamphlets, private sng^
^^ ffestions, open preaching, slanders, and accusations of
<^ heresy, sedition, schism, and what not. And above aUy
^ (which most toucheth our salvation,) they keep us from
'^^ all spiritual edification and comfort, by doctrine, maje^
^ or mutual conference'^ This petition, however, did not
succeed according to their wishes.
Boring their long and severe imprisonment, varioos
pamphlets were published against them, whereby tiidr
characters were foully aspersMl, and their sentiments ex*
eeedingly misrepresented. In reply, they published several
pamphlets, in defence of themselves and their opinions^ and
endeavoured to set forth the truth in its proper liffht. Mr,
Greenwood and Mr. Barrow were supposed to be we authoQi
• MS. Chronology vol. ii. p. 4S5. (8) (3.)
f Strypc't Anuals, toI. It. p. 91*M.
GREENWOOD. 41
of ihaie publicatioiiS) in whidi Uiej expressed tlieinsdyet
with (XMisiderable freed<mi against the bishops, and the
established church. Therefore, March 81, 1592, thejr,
together with Mr. Saxio Bcllot, gent., Daniel Studlejr^
Sirdler, and Robert Bowie, fishmonger, were indicted al
le Old BaUey, upon the statute of 23 Eliz. << For writing
and publishin^r sundry seditions books and pamphlets^
lending to the slander of the queen and govemment ;" when,
in filet, they had written and published only against the
diurch. Upon their trial, they behaved with great con-
-itaBcy and resolution, shewing no token of recognition, nor
prarer fi>r mercy. They protested their inviolable loyalty
to Uie queen, and obedience to her goyemment : that they
never wrote, nor so much as ever intended to write, any
thing against her highness, but only against the bishops
and the established church ; which was, indeed, sufficiently
maniiest. The jury, however, savouring too much of tto
spirit of their judges, brought them all in guilty.* Bellot,
with tears, desired a conference, and conferaed with sorrow
what he had done ; and Studley and Bowie being looked
upon as accessaries only, though they continued firm,
dedarinsf their unshaken loyalty to the queen, and refusing
to aisk for mercy, were reprieved, and sent back to prison,
Studley, after four years' imprisonment, was banished from
the country, and Bellot and Bowie, not long after, died in
Newgate.i- In the mean time, Mr. Greenwood and Mr.
fianow were reserved for public examples.t Accordingly,
sentence of death was passed upon them March S3d, wnen
Beva:al divines were appointed to persuade them to recant.
But remaining steadfast, they were carried, on the last of
Harelip in a cart to Tyburn, and for some time e^osed
« 8trype*t Whitgift, p. 414, 415,
-¥ MS. Remarks on Hist. p. 454.
. t Abcknt this time, Mr. Barrow presented a petition to the Attoney-
Q^enX l^rton, in which, after hambly requesting the favour of aa
iapartial conference, in behalf of himself and his brethren then confined
Id prifOD, he thus addressed him: — ** I protest to your worship, in the
*f light of God, at whose judgment I look hourly to stand, that I hold
*^ not aay thing out of singularity, or pride of spirit; but am certainly
** persuaded by the grounds of Gnd*s word, the profession and practice
*' of the reformed churches, and learned men of other countries. I, for
*f my own part, avow unto your worship, that, through God*s grace,
** I will utterly forsake any error I shall be proved to hold, and will
^* hambly submit In all matters .proved by the word of God. — By this
** charitable act, your worship may pot an end to the present controversies,
** reduce all wherein we err; and appease many christian souls. — Signed
'* yoir worship^s humble snppliiUit^ Heicrt Borrow.'*
Sfnopi't Jmmlif vol. It. p. 171.
.-*
4A LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
under the gallows before the people, to see whetheif.tbt
terrors of death would not frighten them. They, neverthcr
^fis, continued firm even in the immediate prospect of deaths
and were brought back to Newgate. April 6, 1593, thej
prere carried to Tyburn a second time, ancl there executed.*
At the place of execution, they eave such testimonies of
iheir unfeigned piety towards (lod, and loyalty to thi^
queen, praying so earnestly for her long and prosperous
Teign, that when Dr. Uainolds, whaattended them, reported
their behaviour to her majesty, she repented of having ccp<t
jented io their death.f The doctor signified to her majesty^
^' that he was persuaded, if they had lived, they would
Iiuve been two as worthy instruments for the church of God,
as any that had been raised up in that age.*' The quedn,
jftfterwards riding by the place of their execution, called to
mind their sufiering death, and, desirous to obtain some
further information concerning them, demanded of the Earl
of Cumberland, who was present at their death, what kind
of end they made. He answered, " A very godly end,
and prayed for your majesty, state, &c." Also, Mr. Hiilips,
a most worthy a;rd famous preacher, having conferred with
Mr. Barrow, gnd beheld his holy preparatioii for death,
said, '' IJari'QW, Barrow, my soul be ^itp thine.''t Apd we
learn from jtoe famous Mr. Hugh Broughton, who liye^ io
jthe$e times, ^' that though Barrow and Greenwood were
condemned for disturbance of the state ; this would have
been pardoned, and their lives spared, if they would have
prcmiised to come to church."^ Thus Uiey suffered for
their nonconformity !
Their trial for offences against the state, when they had
)vritten againi^t the bisliops and the chi^rch qnly, was
undoubtedly the artful pontrivance of Archbishop Whitgift ;
who, by so doing, cast the odium of their death mm
himself upon the ciyil magistrate. Indeed, this chargje is
fiiirly brought against him by one of the sufferers. Ihfr*
Barrow, having suffered confinement in close prison several
years, exposed to all the severities of cold, nakedness, and
famine, at length presented a supplication to the queen,
earnestly desiring to be delivered from their present mise-
ries, though it were by death. The paper was, however,
intercepted by the archbishqp, who ^deavour^ to prevaa^
• Heylin'8 Hist, of Presby. p. 324, 325.
•^ NeaPs Hist, of Puritaps, vol. i. p. 884. Aiti^ Edit.
1 Peirce's VindicatioD, part i. p. 147.
( Broughton*8 Works, vol. ii. p. 731. Sd it 1601.
GIUBENWOOD. 48
II knowledge of their sitiiatioii firmn comiiig to the eals all
the qpeen. Mr. Barrow^ thcfefcHre, exposed his grace's
behaviour, in the following smart language : — ^< The arch*
^bishop/' sajs he, << haying sent so many men to diven
^ prisons, as Bridewell, Newgate^ the two Compters, tho
** white-lion, and the Fleet, now posted these things to the
** dril magistrate. He hath destined brother Greenwood
^ and myself to death, and others to close prison ; their
^ poor wives and children to be cast out of the city, and
^ th^ir ^oods to be confiscated. Is not this," says he, '< a
^ christian bishop ? Are these the virtues of him, who takes
<< npcm himself the caie and government of the churches
^ in the IsQoid, to tear and devour Good's poor sheep, to rend
^ off their ilesh and break their bones, and chop them in
^ ineces as flesh for the cauldron ? Will he thus instruct
^ a|id convince gainsayers ? Surely he will persuade but
^' feipv^ who fear God, to hjs relirion, by this evil dealing.
^^ Does he consult his own credit, or the hosour of his
^ prince, by this tyrannical havock? For our parts, our
'< lives ar^ not dear unto us, so that we may finish our.
^ testimony with joy. We are always ready, through the
^ giraoe of Grod, to be offered up upon the testimony of the
^^ nith that we have made."* When, therefore, their
wlidle case is impartially considered, we think there was
Bot much cause for Mr. Strype to call. these passumate
and angry expressions. These unhappy men undoubtedly
fdl a sacrifice tp the resentment oi an angry prelate; who
hf nevertheless, dienominated << a very worthy man."f
b the mean time, while we condemn the severity with
3Rr]ucli Uiese men were treated, we do not mean to palliate
their errOTs. Their rigid and narrow sentiments concerning
disciplme ; their denying the church of England to be a
true church; their maintaining that her government was
so wholly popish and antichristian as to render all hes
ordinances and sacraments invalid; and their not only
lenouncing OHnmunion with her, but with all other reformed
churphes, excepting such as were according to their own
model, are sufficient proofs how strongly they were tinged
with bigotry. The true grounds of religious freedom
wer^ at this period, so little understood, that it b exceed-
ingly probable, that, if the Browiiists had risen in power,
they would have exercised it in a very unjustifiable manner.
The condemnation ^d execution of Mr. Barrow and
« 8trjpe*f Whitgifl, p. 41 a, 410.
i Gnuiser*8 B\og. UHU f ol. i. p. SOS.
4« UVES OF THE PURITANS.
Graenwood, were ads of flagiant injiuftice and cnidtjyttid
will stand as moniiments of diagnce to the leign ol (j^een
Eliffibetti, as durable as time.*
. Upon this part of oar English Ustory, the jadiclaos
Rapin observes, << That the queen hearkened to the mk^
gestions of the clergy, who represented the pniilaiis at
seditious persons ; who rebelled against tlie laws, and, by
their disobedience, shook the foundations of the gOT^mmeoti
This is not the only time, nor is England the only state,
where disobedience in point of rdigion, has been <xm«
founded with rebellion against the sovneign* There is
scarcely a christian state, where the prevafling sect wiU
suffer- the least division, or the least swervitig from the
established opinions; no, not even in private. Shall I
venture to sa^, it is the clergy chiefly who support this
strange principle oi non-tderation, so little agreeable to
christian charity? The severity of which, from this time,
began to boiexercised upon the nonconformists in Englaand^
produced terrible effects in the following reigns, and occa*
sioned doubles and factions which ranain to this day/ V
Mr. Greenwood published <^ A Briefe Refutation of Mn
George Gifford ;" and << An Answer to George Giffoid^
pretended Defence of Read-Prayers and Devised Liturgies;-*
in the titles of which, he calls himself ^' Christ's poor
afflicted Prisoner in the Fleet, for the Truth of the
Gospel."
William Smyth was bom about the year 1563, and
•dacated, most probably, in the university of Cambridge.
On his entrance upon the sacred function, he was or-
dained by the Bishop of Coventry and lachfidd, and
licensed to preach by the Bishop of Sarum, when bt
became minister at Bradford in Wiltshire. Having oon*
tinued in thb situation for some time, he went to Londflo,
attended the private assemblies of the Brownists* congrega-
tion, and probably became a zealous and active member of
the church ; for which he was cast into prison, where he
lemained a long time. During his confinement, he was
frequently carried before the inqmsitors of the high com*
mission and the star-chamber, and after examination, with
a view to make him confess and accuse himself and his
brethren, he was sent back to prison. On one of these
• Biog. Brilan. vol. ii. p. 021. Edit. 1778.
f Rapin'i Hist, of Eog. vol. U, p, UU
W.SBITTH. U
ooesriotis, April 5, 1598, he was oooTened belbre tbe Deaa
of Westmin^er, Mr. Dale, Mr. Barnes, and Mr. Youngs
wluen be underwent an examinatimi, of which the following
jMurticiilais are preserved : — He said he had been m prisot
ubmA two months, committed by Dr. Stanhope and othen^
on- snqndon of being privy to the matters concerning the
coffin, (lefening, -no doubt, to the cofEji of Mr. lumx
Qijicmi,)- carried to Mr. Young's door« He said also uat
he had been examined first before Mr. Young and Mr.
Tofwnsend; next before the Bishop of Lmdon and others;
andlasfly before the Lord Chief Justice and Judge Anderson^
but never, to his knowledge, was indicted. He ccmfessea
that he had been at an assemUy, in the house of Mr. Lees^
near Smithfield ; but when he was asked whether he be^
longed to that church, of which Mr. Johnson was pastor, he
lefiwd to answer.^ Also, when it was demanded wheAer
he had ever any of Barrow's, Greenwood's, or Penry 's books
in his poGieBsion, he again refused to answer. Heacknow*
ledged that he came up to Londcm to confer with Mr.
JomisoB, Mr. Greenwooa, and others, and that he attended
the assembly in Lees's house, on purpose to hear and see
theiT oiders in church matters. He refused the oath e»
officio; and when he was asked whether he would go to the
parish church, he refused to be bound, but was desirous to
hare 4 omference^* Great numbers of Brownists were
BOW confined in the different prisons in and about London,
many of whose names, and flieir crimes, with their cruel
iisaee, are now before me. , The two principal crimes with
idiich they ware charged by their enemies, were, their
having seen or possessed certain books supposed to hate
ben published by Barrow, Greenwood, or Pehry ; and
their having joined the congregation of Brownists, which,
to avoid me persecution of the bishops, assembled iu
private houses, in the fields, and in woods. For these sig*
nifieant dfenoes, ihey were stigmatized as rebels, and com*
mined to filthy prisons, where many of them died, and
others, after a' miMrable imprisonment cS fourth fi^ yean^
weie banished ftmn the country. Mr, Smyth vras probably
of this number.f
ft
• Baker*! MS. Collec. vol. xt. p. Ill, U«. + Ibid. p. 50— UT.
M LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Thomas Settle was bom about the year 1555, and moil
probably educated in the naiTemty of Cambridge. He
was ordained by Bishop Freak, after which he became
minister of Bo^toi in SimMk, and a sealoosnoDOonfiMmial;
bat was roughly used by Arohbishra Whitgift. In Maj^
1586, being cited before his ^nuse at Lambeth, the fellowi^
charges were ezhHiited wamst him : — ^^ That he did aot
observe the mrder in the Book of Gommon Prayer. — ^Th«t
he did not use tlue cross, nor admit the promise and rtmim
baptism.^ — ^That he did not marry with the ring, and aay,
5 .With this ring I thee wed.'«— That he frequented oonfoi-
tides. — That he doiied the lawfolness of private bmtim
by women, and the baptism ot ministeri who could 'M
preach. — ^And that he denied that the soul of our Saviour
went into hell, or the regions ot the damned.''
* Upon the exhibiticm of these charges against Mr. Settle^
iie was first examined upon our LcHrd's descent into hell ; when
he confessed it was his opinion, that Christ did not desoend
locally into hell, aikl that Calvin, Besa, and other teamed
men, were of the same opinion. This put the ardibiaium
-into so violent a passion, that he called him ofs, dot^fmif
and added, they are Ban.* Mr. Settle said, <^ Yoo o«^j^
-not to rail at me, being a minister of the gospd.*' ^^ Mliat, -'
replied his lorddiip, << dost thou think it much to be called
ass and dolt ? I have called many of thy belteis ao.'.'
f^ True," observed Mr. Settle ; ^< but the question is^ horn
lawfully you have done that." The loidly archbtabop
ithen said, << Thou shalt preach no more in my pmvince^v
'Mr. Settle answered, << I am called to {Hreadbi the goqpdl,
and I will not cease to preach it" The archbishop, with a
stem countenance, replied, << Neither yoii, nor any one m
England, shall preach without my leave ;" and imuMdisriiidy
commanded him to be carried close prisoner to the Gttb*
bouse. Before his departure, the Dean of Westminstar
asking him whether he had subscribed, Mr. Settle replied,
.^ Yes; I have subscribed, and am ready to subsciibe
again, to the doctrine of faith and sacraments, being as
much as the law requires: but to other rites' and ceremof
Hies, I neither can nor will subscribe.'* << Then," said.tbt
angry archbishop, << thou shalt be subject to the ecclesiastical
* This prelate is commeoded as a wortliy aod pradent govaraor of iOm
charclii and his mild and moderate carriage, it irsaid, was well worthy of
imitation 1 This good man expired in David's Idlness of days, leaving a
name like sweet perfume behind him I Ponfe'i Lifi 0/ fTMigiftj JPn/.-^
Mumsts Mist, of Eng, yoh II p. t6i.
•utWoriiy/' Mr. Settle replied, « I thank God, y(m cart
use no violence only upon my poor body." So Wbitgift
<)Oitmiitted him close prisoner to the Gatehouse, where the
gciod man continued about six yeurs;* till the year 1592|f
whien he was released.
After hi9 deliverance from this cruel bondage, Mr. Settle
becttme a member of the Brownists'. congre^tion, whidk
assembled in private places in and about London. His
troubles^ however, were not ended : bonds and afflictions
were still awaiting him. For, towards the close of the
above year, he was apprehended at a private assembly, held
in 4ke school-house ^ Mr. Gewge Johnson, in Nicholas*
lan^ and oonmiitted to prison. After remaining under
tDonfinemeiit for fifteen weeks, without either examination
or indictment, he was carried before the high commission^
vAfril ^ 159^ when he was required to take tlie oath
^' offiAt^ but he absolutely lefusexL Though he would not
iMseilse either fain^elf or his brethren ; yfA.^ during his
^cttmination, he acknowledged certain things, from which
m^ have collected the following particulars :i— Me confessed
that be had held his opinions, and separated himself irom
Ae' established church, for about a year; but had not
itMoeived the sacrament in the parish church for three years.
He acknowledged that he had opposed the discipline of the
church ftwr seven years; but he refused to say by what
means he had been induced to imbibe these opinions.
Wlieit hef>?as commanded to say whether he possessed, or
had ever read, any of Barrow's, Greenwood's, or Penry't
liookSi he refused to give a direct answer, but said, he
^fould not be his own accuser. Being asked how many he
bad persuaded, and brought over to his opinions, he said;
lie was firmly fixed in what he professed, and was desirous
of bringing over as many others as he was able ; but more
he would not answer.
' He^ mcHtever, confessed, that he was present at the
usaembly in a house in Aldgate, when Robert Stokes was
^excommunicated for his apostacy ; and that he was excom-
mdnicated l^ Mr. Francis Johnson tlie pastor, when the
test of Ae omcers and congregation were present, and con-
^wmted to what was done. He said, also, that he had never
served in any office in the congregation; but had occa-
isionatly taught or prophesied in the assembly. He like^
wisje.confesi^, that he had received the Lord's supper in
• MS. Refiiter, p« 79S, f Stope*i Aoaaliy vol. iv. p. 9(1.
48 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
their congr^tito, in a house near Smithfield, but he knew
not whose the house was. He, at the same time, refused to
attend the public service of the parish churches ; because^
he thought, they had not a true ministry .••^This was the
rault 01 the inquisition of his spiritual judges; but it does
not appear how long he remained in prison : most probAMy
he was released upon the general banishment of
puritans.
^OHK Penbt, A.M.w.This distinguidied puritaa was
horn in Brecknockshire, in the year 1559, and educated first
at Cambridge, then at St. Albans-hall, Oxford, where he
took his degree of Master of Arts in 1586. <^ When he
first went to Cambridge,^' says Wood, << he was as arrant
m papist as ever came out of Wales, and he would have'
ran a felse gallop over his beads with any man in Enj^andy
and help the priest sometimes to say mass at midnighLV
Admitting he was then much inclined to popery, being only
about eighteen years of a^e, we need not wonder, espe»
cially when it is recollected, that the country whence bi
came was then wholly overspread with popish darkness.
However, as our author intimates, he soon renounced
popery ; and, after taking his degrees, became an esteemed
preacher in both universities, where he was accounted '^ m
tolerable scholar, an edifying preacher^ and a good man;"
This, from so bitter an author, is certainly a very high
character of so rigid a puritan. <^ But," he adds, ^< htwg
full of Welsh blood, and of a hot and restless bend, he
.chained his course, and became a notorious anateptisC^
and in some sort a Brownist, and a most bitter enemy to the
church of England."f He was, undoubtedly, an en^y tfr
the hierarchy, and the persecution of the prelates, wd m
zealous promoter of a further reformation.
Upon Mr. Penry's leaving the university, he settled fiir
some time at Northampton, where he was most probacy
employed in the ministry. About the year 1587, Iw enteied
upon nis suffering in the cause of nonconfonnity, betdff
conveimd before Archbishop Whilgift, Bishc^ Cooper, and
other high commissioners. The charge brought against
him was, that in a book he had published, he hu assertecL
<^ That mere readers, meaning such as could not^ or irouU
not preach, wor^- no ministers. Reading : homilies onl^i or
PENRT. 48
any other boobs/' he said, " was not preaching the word
of God, and so the ordinary means of salvation was
wanting.*' During his examination, the Bishop of London
asking aim what he had to say ngainst nonresidents, he said,
** Ttey aire odious in the sight of God ; because, to the
utmost of their power, they deprive the people of the
ordinary means of salvation, which is the word preached."
When the bishop demanded whether preaching was the onlu
means of salvation, Mr. Penry replied, " It is the only
ordinary means." This he endeavoured to confirm, from
the fdlo^ing portions of scripture : ^^ How shall they heat
without a preacher? — It pleased God, by the foolishness
of preachii^, to save them that beli(!ve. — In whom also ye
toasted, after ye heard the word of truth." Having, for a
considerable time, discussed Mr. Penry's assertion, that the
word is the only ordinary means of salvation, the Bishop
cf Winchester arose, and said, '' I assure you, my lords, it
is an execrable heresy." " An heresy !" replied Mr.
Peoxy, "I th^k God that I ever knew that heresy. It is
such a heresy, as I will, by the grace of God, sooner leave
my life than leave it." The bishop then said, << I tell thee,
it is a heresy ; and thou shalt recant it as a heresy.''
'* Never," replied Mr. Penry, " God willing, so long as I
live. ' Thot^h his lordship ailerwards endeavourra to
defend himseff against what is here ascribed to him, he
seends to have been very unsuccessful.* It also appears, )
that Whil^nft supported his brother of Winchester in his V
assertion, that Penry's opinion was an execrable heresy, -^
and that he should recant it as such ; adding, ^' that such
heathenjsh nntruth is to be pitied rather than answered."t :;
Mn Peary was, therefore, committed to prison ; and, after\
about a month's confinement, was discharged without any^
fiutim proceeding. But presently after his release, they
sent their pnrsiiivants with warrants to apprehend him, and
ccmmiit him to prison. Walton, one or their pursuivants,
went immediately to Northampton ; and upon enteruie Mr.
Peniy's house, ransacked his study, and took away all the
books and papers which he thought proper ; but Mr. Penry
was not to be foand.t
Upon the publication of Martm Mar-Prelate, and other
satincal pamphlets, a special warrant was issued from the
council, in 1590, under several hands, of which Whit<]rift*s
was one, to seise and apprehend Mr. Penry, as an enemy to
• Strrpe*! AdosIi, toI. Hi. p. 57S, 674. t Strype*i Whitgift, p. 806.
{ MS. Chn>nolos7> vol. U. p. 4ST. (8.)
TOIi. U. C
»■-■
lip LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
tbc state; and that all the qneen's good subjects iluNdd
take him so to be. But Mr. Penry, about the same time^
urent into Scotland, not merely for safety firom the atonn,
but as a student in diyinity, where he remained tUI the
year 1593. While he was in the north^ he made nymy
observaticms rdatiye to religion, for his own private we ;
and, at length, prepared the heads of a petition or aaaddieii
to the queen. This petition was designed to repremt to
her majesty the true state of religion, and how jlgiigiBiit
she was of the manv abuses in tte church. LikiewJM to
intercede with her, that he might, by her aulhprity, liafe
liberty to go into Wales, and preach the gospel in hianuptife
country, where, indeed, it was nmch wanted. He iiyteodeJ
himself to deUyer it to the queen, as he should Sad
opportunity. The heads of the petition, clothed in plain
ana smart language, were as follows :
<< The last days of your reign axe turned rather against
<' Jesus Christ and his goqpd, than to the maintqiance of
f^ the same.
^^ I haye great cause and complaint, madam f fWj ^
<< Lord and bis church haye cause to complahi os yo«f
^ goyanment, because we, your subjects, this day, ave not
^ permitted to serye our £rod, under your goyenumcnt,
^^ according to his zDordj but are sold to be bondslaves, not
<^ only to our affections, to do what we will, so that we
^^ keep ourselyes within the compass of established civil
^^ laws, but also to be servants to the man of sm (^ pcpe)
^^ and his ordinances.
^< It U not the force, that we seem to fear that wiQ cope
<^ upon us, (for the Lord may destroy both you for deioyiiig^
<< and us for slack seeking of his will,) by strai^ESts : I
^< come unto you with it. If you will hear it, our jcwpe
^^ may be eased ; if not, that posterity may knpw tha^ ym
^ have been dealt with, and that this age may know fbat
€c there is no expectation to be looked for at your handB.
<^ Among the rest of the princes under the gospel, that
^c have been drawn to oppose it, you must think yourself to
<< be one ; for until you are this, madamy you wst^ not
<^ yourself; and they are but sycophants and flatjtepen
<< whoever tell you otherwise : your standi]^ is and has bpcn
f< by the gospel. It is little beholden to you for any ii^ng
^^ that appears. The practice of your ffovemment sheifPi
^ diat if you could haye ruled without me gospel, it woqid
^ have been doubtful whether the gospel should be estab*
^JWiclil or not; finr oow that you are established ioe yom
PENRY. 61
«< ihroqe by the goqiel, you suffer it to reach no further than
^ the eii)d of your sceptre limiteth unto it.
. << If ,^ hadhad Queen IMbiy 's days, I think that we should
^ haVe had as iBourishing a churcn this day as eyer am ;
^^ for it is well known.th^ there was then in London^ imder
¥iiie ^burden, and elsewhere in esUe, more flourishing
^ churches thw any now tolerated by your authority.
^ Now, whereas we shouM hftye your help both to joia
^< oundyes with the true churchy and reject the fidse, and
{^ all the ordinances thereof; we are in your kingdom per*
f^mitted to do nothing, but accounted sedUhuiy if we
^ «flbm either the one or the other of the former points i
^ and therefor^ madantj you are not so much an adversary
^^ to us poor men. as unto Jesus Christ, and the wealth of
^ his kingdom.
^ If .we cannot have your fiiYOur, but by oiinittinff our
<< 4Pty to God, we are unworthy of it; and, by uod'a
i^ grace, we mean not to purchase it so dear.
I< Bu^ madamy thus much we must needs say, that, in all
!^ li)»dUhood, if the days of your sister Queen Muy, and
5^ her persecution, had ccmtinued unto this day, that the
« chiurdi of God in England had been far more flourish-
5^im tJ^ at this day it is : for then, madam^ the church
f^ cjrGqa within this land^ and elsewhere, bei^ strangers,
>f,q[yoyfi4 the ordinances of God's hdy word, as flu as
^ then they saw.
^< But since your nugeUy came unto your crown, we
f^ have had whole Christ Jesus, God and man ; but we
<^ inust serve him only in heart
,^ And if those days had continued to this time^ and those
.^lights risen therein which by the mercy of God have
f^ aince shined in England, it is not to be doubted but the
,« church of England, eren in England, had fieir suifpassed
/> |dl thejm^ormra churches in the world.
^ Then, fMdam^ any of our brethrra durst not have been
'<^ seen within the tents of antichrist : now they are ready
f^ to de&na them to be the Lord^s, and that he has no other
^ .tabem)ic|e upon earth but them. Our brethren then durst
'^.not temporize in the cause of Grod, because the Lord
,« ruled himself in his church, by his own layrs, in a good
. <' ,niB|i8uxe ; but now, behdld I tliey may do what they will,
^<> jRw any sword that the church lias to draw against them,
'« if they cimtain themsdyes within your laws*
^^ This peace, under these conditions, we cannot enjoy ;
^ and therefore, for any thing I can see, Queea Mary's dayi
9k LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
lii^om of antichrist can in no wise be whole and Mfiie
witnout them. And if it be not lawful for the memb^ ii
Christ to be subject to the ceremonies of the JeWs, -mbith
God himself once appointed, how can it be otherwise than
m sreat sin, to snUect oUrselves to the appointments df
totichrist, the Lord s great adversary ? The Lord hatih
not delivered us from the yoke o£ his own law, (hat iffi
miffht be in bondage to the inventions and impcMsifiOi&B of
antichrist.
F. Would you then have no other oflBces in the chtkMk
paw in time of peace and prosperity, than were in die days
of the apostles under persecution ?
P. There is certainly great reason we should not. ttdt
if the order left to the church by Moses was ikot to bs
altered, except by the special command of God ; then ikii^
neither man nor anffel, except by the same warraM, aUd
any thing to that holy form which the Son of God fUSiih
appointra for his own house : As, Heb. ill. 3., Rev. xzBl it.
F. I am sure you allow of Luther. What office hB^iti
P. He wajs first a monk, and so anlember of the kinjjdom
fit antichrist. He was afterwards degraded and dtepnVra.
At length, he was, as he called himself, << A preacHeif idf
Chtist*s blessed truth and ^pel." And I think he had thQ
pastoral office in the church at Wertembnig ; bulC liheXbili
ne had, or had not, his example is no law for the chidDCh.
It is Jesus Christ ahnej whom we must hear and follow.
We must walk acconling to his will and word ; and if islfli
angd from heaven would draw us aside, we date ncA ^ie
car unto him : As, Gral. i. 8, 9.
F. And what office had you in your church, which ttMfli
in woods, and I know not where ?
P. I have no office in that poor congregatixm. Anddf
to our meeting in woods, or elsewhere, we have (te
example of Jesus Christ, and his chtirch and servants in flu
ages, for our warrant. It is against our wills, thai we go
Into woods and secret places. As we ate not ashanoied of
the gospel of Christ, so our desire is to profess it opody.
We are ready, before men and angels, to shew and jnstoj
our meetings, and our behaviour in them, earnestly detSs^g
that we may serve God with peace and quietness ; fltadf ttta
An men may witness our upright walking towards ma Gb^
and all the world, especiafly towards onr prinie lUn
government We know the meeting in woods, ih (^f^ M
moontains, &c. is apart of the cross of fbegbtM^ d^im^
flie iKtoial imm win eanly stnmfde; Bbt tM 1^
VESKY. Si
Ihb mom eifote for the Loid*8 sacred troth. The qnestion
ihcyiild not so much be^ wkere we meet, as what we do
at our meetings; whether our meeting and doinj^ntte
wnranted bj the word of God, and what constnineth ui
to meet in fliose places*
P» We will speak of jour unlawful assemblies afterward^
What calling have you to preach ? Were you never made
a minister according to the order of this land ?
P. Had I been willinjg, I might have been made either
deaoon or priest; but, rihank the Lord, I ever disliked
thdae popiui orders : and, if I had taken them, I would
nttedy refiuie them» I have taught publicly in the church
€j£ Scotland, bein^ thereunto earnestly desired, and called
hy the order of &at church. I never had anv charge;
and, th€9tefi)re, I never bare any office, either there or in
any o<^ church.
P. Did ypu not preach in these vpur secret meetings?
IR^iat warrant had yon so to do^ if you never had anj
pnbtic ofllce in your chnrchF
P. Whether I did or not, I do not at present tell you*
Bkit tbn^ I say, that if tfie same poor cot^re^ation* dewed
to l|aye the use of my small gifts, for edification and conso-
Uikt, 1 would, being thereunto prepared, most willingly
beilQW my poor talent for their mutual edification and
fldnes*
i^. And mav you teach publicly in the church, having no
pnUic offioe therein ?
P. I may, because I am a member thereof, and requested
Aemniatp bv the church, and judged to be, in some measure^
endowed with suitable gifts for handling the word of God,
The chnrdi or bod v of Christ, ought to have the use of all
the ^ifla that ate m any of its members, and the member
cittttM ddiy unto the body the use of those graces with
ifhififk it ill fiimished, without breaking the laws and order
of the body, and thus become unnatural : As, Rom, xii«t
iGor.xiL
• Mr. Pevfy wmi a aanber of the cinirdi of Browaiiti, acetliy ab««t
li«aa>«, MMetiMCi Id tlie Aeldt mad woodi in the dead of the aighu to avoid
IKH fciy of tie prelatci. Daring bii conflnanent in priion, he wrote a moa
^'- -\ aihcCiooate, and eaooanigiiy letter, to Mr. Fnnicit Johnson, the
j^and the rest of the brethrea. It h addressed ** Tb the distressed
lUtbfkil CoiipesatioB of Christ in laadon, aad all the Menbcn
HwaalL whather in bonds or at liberty.*' Aad he condodes by sobscribiiig
ftilttelf •* lleir lovlnc brother, in the patience and snl^ioss of the
fo^cl, JoBii PmaT. ▲ witness of Christ in this life, and a partaker of
Iha jfimy that thUi ba refcaM;"— JTorasiiaatifiittf I^«mi0, QrmtmUt
^S^i^'
pastor^
ana ft
56 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
F. Then erery one that will, may preach the word in
your assemblies.
P. Not so. For we hold it imlawful for any man to
intermeddle with the Lord's holy truth, beyond the bounds
of his gifts; or for him who is endowed with gifisy to
preach or teach in the church, except he be desired and
called thereto by the body of the church.
F. May any person then preach, who hath no office so
to do?
P. Yes, that he may; and the word of God bindeth
eyenr one to preach who intendeth to become a pastor or
teacher in the church of Christ, even before he take upon
him this office.
F. What office then hath he all this time i
P. No other office than the other members of ihe body
have^ who are bound to perform their several operations in
the body, according to that measure of grace which they
have received from the Lord Jesus. And, indeed, it is a
common practice id our colleges and universities, for those
to preach who have no office.
F . Yf s, it is in the schools.
P. If this exercise, according to your own confemon, be
warrantable in the schools and colleges, it is certainly much
more so in the church and congregation.
F. Well, then, you bear no office in your church. You
will not tell us whether you taught among them; but you
say you would if they required you.
P. True.
F. But how came it to pass that you were not made an
officer amoi^ them ?
P. Doubtless I was desired to take a charge, and to con-
tinue among them, but I would not ; beoiuse I have alwltyi
purposed to employ my small talent in my poor counter
of Wales, where, I know, the poor people perish finr lack
of knowledge.
F. You labour to draw her majesty's subjects from their
obedience to her laws, and from the church of England,
to hear you, and such as you, teaching in woods.
P. Nay ; I persuade aU men to obey my prince and her
laws. Only I dissuade all the world &om yielding obedi-
enee and subjection to the ordinances of antichrists and
peffuade them to be subject to Jesus Christ and his
laws: I know this to be agreeable to the laws, of her
m^eshr.
F. WhatI Is it meet that sulgeds should charge tbeir
PENRY. 8T
prince to keep coyenant with them ? Where do you find
this warranted in scripture ?
P. The subjects are in a most lamentable state, if they
may not allege their prince's laws for what they do; yea.
andf shew what their prince hath promised to the Lord, ana
to them, when this is done to proye their own innocency.
It IS the honour of princes, so to hold and be in coyenant
with their subjects, that they will preserye them from
yiolence and wrong. And I am assured, that, if her
majesty knew the equity and uprightness of our cause, we
should not receiye the hard treatment we now sustain. We
and our cause are neyer brought before her, es^cept in the
odious names of sedition, rebellion, schism, heresy, &c. It
is, therefore, no wonder to see the edge of the sword turned
against us. «
F. Hath not her majesty, by her laws, established the
offipes and order now in the church of England ?
P. I grant her laws haye, but of oyersight ; taking them
fbr the true offices and order of the church of Christ.
And because we see this oyersight, we therefore fly to her
foimer promise and act, by whidi she granteth all the pri-
▼il^seft of the church of Christ.
F. Why go you about then to pull down bishops?
P. Alas! be it far from us, eyer to attempt any such
thing. We only put her majesty and state in mind of the
wraUi of God that is likely to come upcm the land, for
udiolding many popish inyentions. We labour for the
aalyation of our own souls, and all those who will be warned
by us, by ayoiding all corruptions in religion, and practising,
so for as we know, the whole will of God. Further than
this, we cannot go ; and, therefore, dare not so much as in
thought, attempt to alter or puU down any thing established
liy her laws.
F. Whj then do you meet in woods, and such secret
and suspicious places, if you purpose no insurrection for
punine down the bishops ?
P. I told you the reason already. Our meetings are for
the true worship of God, and there is not so much as ono
word or thought about bishops in our assemblies, except
in praying; for them as we do for our own souls. Wc hold
odr meetings in secret, because, as I before told you, wo
cannot haye them in public wiUiout disturbance. We do
not. wish to withdraw ourselyes from the sight of any
pnatue; but we are bound to obserye the pure w<
< ■ • -
m LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
df God, tboDgh it be in mods^ in nfooMaSnl, or in
caves.
F. Then yon are privy to no practice or intent of any
leditian or commotion affsinst her majesty and the statCy <d
fbrpnlling down the bishops ?
P. No, I thank God, I never was. And I protest hcAart
keaven and earth, that, if I were, I would disclose and
withstand the same, to the utmost of my power, in all cases
whatsoever.
Young. But what meant jron, Penry, when yon tM mi
at my house, that I should Uve to see the day when thert
should not he a lord bishop left in Eosland ?
P. You, shr, do me great injuiy, but I am content to
bear it. I said, << because God hath jpromised to overthrow
and consume the remnants of the kmedom of antichrist;
you may live to see all the offices, caliings, livings, ana
works, belonging to tiiat kingdom, utterly overtmowil*'*
This is what I said, and I beseech and charge you, as yoa
shall answer in the day of judgment, n^ to miarepoM
my speech.
Y. I conceived some great matter erf* your speech, I tdl
you.
P. In this you did me the gmiter wrong. I pAiy ybiu
hiereofler, take my words according to my meaning, itnd
their natural signification.
F. You say, that these offices and livings, derive^
according to your coAceiij from the body c? anfichn^
shall be overthrown by ihe Lotd : we would know how thil
will be accomplished.
P. The work, I am assured, will be accomplished;
because tlie Loid hath said it in hb word. But the JDatanntir
how, and the time when, it shall be done, I leave to &&I
^' who worketh all things according to the counsel of Ui
own will," and whose ^^ ways and judgments are past
indine out"
F. What you now do, or what you mean to do, in ytfitf
assemblies, we cannot tell ; but this is suHe, that tliB pajMi
ieem to taJi^e encouragement by your dealing. Th^ art
now become very numerous; and they say, that yooir
separation from the chUiH^h is a great stumUing^Uocli
to thenu
P. What w<Bf do in our meetings^ and what are Out pnt^
pos^ I Jiave faithfully told you'; and we are ready to
cppmve otur purposes and actions to be in all good cw^
FBNRt. S§
ifdoee towanlft tlie L(n^ crar pfince, w Axui
if the number of ignorant and idolatrous priests greatly
Inksrtaae, it is notMng wohdisrihl, seeing there are so many
femnantB of poperj left unbaninhed from the land : these
are their baits and encoiiragements.
F. What are the baits that you mean ?
P. I mean the popish offices and livings of archbiribopai^
iMAlrishops, deans, archdeacons, canons, priests, &c. : th^
Mn&raance of which, and the popish corruptions belonging
id them, keepeth the pope and lus sworn subjects in mily
IkMfe of replanting the airone of iniquity in the land ; but
I Irast in tibe Lord, they will be utterly disappointed. fiT
Aiete Giffices and liyings were once removed, the pope and
Us emissaries would have no hope left, of again setting up
the staiidard of the man 6£ sin, in this noble kingdom. 1
weodeir not, that the pat>ists dislike our separation; for
tfiey know, that of all the men under heaven, we are the
liveaftest enemies to popery : we would leave them neither
root nor branch ; but would have the world as much cleared
ef the mnains of antichrist, as it was on that day when
fli6 Lotd Jesus ascended up on high, and led captivity
¥. Bat why do you reftise a conference, that you may be
idhAilted in' those things in which you err ?
P. I reftise none. I most readily and willingly yield io
imy, as Mr. Yourtg halh it tender my own ham to testify.
OAj iby desiite and request is, that some equal conditions
filty be grtMdd to me and my brethren. But if this
caidauot be obtained, I am ready to yield to any conference,
tfuMkjdi t&e conditions be ever so unequal. And 1 beseech
f6%he a means with her majesty and their honours, that
tky cftse may be weighed in an even balance. Imprison-
ments, indictments and death, are no proper weapons io
Cony&iGe mehfs consciences.*
Heife fhe examination dosed. We leave the reader ti
ildtje his o\m remarks ubon it, and proceed in the history
of Ais dbtmEuished suflerer for Christ It was at first
ditSs^ed to iuffitt Mr. Penry for the books published in his
name ; bat, by the advice of counsel, he drew up a paper,
Miich ptovedi the means of putting a stop to the pro*
eee^Unff. This paptty dated Ma^ 10, 1593, is entitlecl
^ Hr. FioDihr^s Declaration^ that he is not in danger of the hi#
ftr t^ books puUUh^i in his name.'* In this declttatioiii^
• BxudiHilioBt of Bh^roW, GteaWood, and Penry, p. 85— 88»
60 LrV'ES OF THE PURITANS.
be observes^ that the statute was Dot intended to include
such as nrrote against tiie ecclesiastical eslablisbment on/^.
For, in this case, it would condemn many of the most
learned protestants, both at home and abroad : but that it
relates to persons who, shall defame her majesty's rojfal
person. Wlierefis he had always written most dutifully of
licr person and government, having never encours^j^
sedition or insurrection a^nst her majesty, but the con-
trary. Nor had he ever oecn at any assembly or conven-
ticle, where any, under or above the number of twelve,
were assembled, with force of arms or otherwise, to alter
any thing established by law. Nor vras it his opinion^
tliat private persons should, of their own authority, attempt
any such thing: he had always spoken and written the
contrary. Nevertheless, if he had been guilty of aU these,
he ought to have been accused within one month of the
crime, upon the oath of two witnesses, and have been in-
dicted within one year; otherwise the ^tute clears him^ in
express words.*
When he came io the trial, the court, being apprehensive
that his declaration would occasion an argument at law, set
aside his printed books, and indicted and convicted him
upon the contents of his peiUion and pmaic observations^
as already observed. This rendered his case still harder,
as he himself represented in a letter to the Lord Treasurer
Burleigh, with his protestation enclosed, immediately after
his CiHidemnation ; m iivhich he thus expressed himself:-—
<< Vouchsafe, I beseech your lordship, n^ht honourable, io
read, and duly weigh, the enclosed writmg. My days, I
see, are drawing to an end, and, I thank God, an unde-
served end, except the Lord God stir up your honour, or
some other, to plead my cause, and to acquaint her majesty
with my guiltless state.
^ The cause is most lamentable, that the private obser-
Tations of any student, being in a foreign land, and wishing
wdl to his prince and country, should bring his life with
Uood to a violent end ; especially, seeing they are most
private, and so imperfect, that they have no coherence at all
in them; and, in most places, are no true English. '
<* Though my conscience may stand me in no stead
before an earthlv tribunal, yet I know that I shall have the
leward thereof before the judgment^seat of the great Kiuff ;
and the merciful Lord, who relieves the widow and tne
• Slrypc'f Whitsifl, p. 412,419.
PENRY. 61
GillieiieBB, will reward m^ desolate orphans and friendless
iridpWy whom I leave behind me, and even hear their cry^
for be is merciful. And being likely to trouble your lord'*
ship with no more letters, I do with thankfulness acknow*
Ied|^ your honour's favour towards me, in receiving the
wniii^pj which I have presumed to send unto you from
time to time; and in this my last, I protest before the Lord
Godj that, so fiir as I know, I have written nothing but the
truth*
^ Thus preparing myself, not so much for an unjust
verdict, and an undeserved doom in this life, as for that
blessed crown of glory, which, of the great mercy of my
God, is ready for me in heaven, I humbly commit your
lordship into the hand of our righteous Lord. In great
liast^ from close prison, this SSd of the iSfth month.
May, 1593.
<< Your lordship's most humble servant in the Lord,
" John Penry."*
In his protestation, enclosed in the above letter, Mr.
Femry declaies, << That he wrote the petition and private
observatioiis while he was in Scotland. That what he had
written was. confused, unfinished, and perfectly secret.
Thet it was the sum of certain objections made by others,
against her majesty and her government, which he had
intended to examine at some future period, but had not so
mmsii as looked into them for the last fourteen or fifteen
months. And that even in these writings, so imperfecL
unfinished, and enclosed within his private study, he had
'sibfeWn his duty and true loyalty to the queen, nor had he
ever the most secret thought to the contrary." Here he
also expressed himself as follows :f
*' TKese my writings" (meaning those from which the
chaises against him were collected) << are not only the most
irapmect, but even so private, that no creature under
heaven, mvself excepted, was privv to them, till they were
■eiaed. Alin^ I dare not acknowledge them to be, for a
thousand worlds ; because I should thereby most wickedly
iin against God and my own conscience, by bearing false
witness against myself. I never conceived that any man
would have made any sense of them; especially against
myself by whomsoever they might be intercepted.
^^ Now that secret, confused, and unadvised observations
are brought against me, even to the spilling of my blood;
•. 8trype*t Whltgift, p. 413, 414.
f Scrjpe'i WhUiift, Appea. p. 175-181 .
n LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
I hiuiihlj cnye OiMt tbese my papers may abo be looked
mion, and brought to light, as wdl as the othen, by which
my adversaries think to impeach my alkyiance; which, I
thank God, neither man nor angd shalT ever be aUe to
effect Though I be condemned as a fi||on, or as a traitqp
to my natural sovraeign, I thank God, t|iat heaven and
earth shall not be able to convict me of it. I remember not
the day that has passed over my head^ since, under her
fivemment, I came to the knowledge of the truth, wherqui
have not commended her estate to .God. And I thank
God, that whensoever tbe end of m;^ days comek and f,
expect not to live to the end of tms week, I shall d^
Queen Elizabeth's most fidthful subject, even in the oon<i
aciences of mine enemies.
^ I never took myself for a rebuker, much less fc^ f
reformer of states and kingdoms : far was that firom ine.
Yet, in the discbarge of my consci^ioe, all the wnld must
bear with me, if I prefisr my testimony to the truth of
Jesus Christ before the fitvqur of any crratiue. The pros-
perity of my prince and the state, was always most dear
to n^, as HE knoweth, by whom states are pWrved^
princes bear rule. An enemy to good order and policy,
whetiiier in church or commonwealui, I never vras. 1 never
did any thing in this cause, (Lord ! thou art ifritneaB^) for,
contention, vai|i-glory, or to draw disciples af^ me.
<< Whatsoever i have written or made known, co^itaxf
to the written word, I have warned the world to avoid. Hj
confession of faith, and allegiance to God and the queen,
written since my imprisonm^it, I take, as I shall ansirar
jbefore Jesus Christ and the elect angels, to omtain nothing
but God's eternal truth. And, therefore, if my blood wero
an ocean, and every drop were a life to me, I ^ddd, by
ihe help of the Lord, give it all in, defence .of the same.
Yet, if any error can be shewn therein, that f. ytSl nqt
defend.
<< Great things in this life I never sought for. Suffidenqr
I have bad, with great outward trouble ; but tinort content
I have been with my lot. And content I am and shall be
.Urith mv undeserved and untimely d^ith, beseeching t^
Lord, that it may not be laid to the charge of any person .^
the land • For I do, from my heart, forgive all those that Jieq^
•my life, as I desire to be forgiven in the day oif strict account;
praying for tliero as for my own soid, thatthou^ we qanngt
accord upon earth, we may meet together in heaven, to our
fternal unity and naf^' *\tm^ And u my lieathica^ prpqure
PENRT. m
I
«
an^ quietnesB to the church of God, and the state of mjr
tinnce and Idngdom, glad I am that I hare a life to bestow
in this service. I know not to what better use it could bo
cmplojed, if it were preserved; and, therefor^ in this cause,
I mure not to spare it Thus have I lived towards the
jUvd and my ranee; and, b^ the grace of God, thus I
mean to die. Many such subjects I wish unto my prince;
tbon^li no such reward to any of diem. My earnest
ne^pest is. that her majesty may be acquunted with thesa
tiMlig> befoce my death, or, at least, after my departure.
. '^ Subscribed with the heart and hand that never devised
fr wrote any thiiL^ to the discredit or defamation of my
•overeupo, Queen £lizab^.
<( This I take on my death, as I hope to live hereafter,
" John, Penb y.'*
In his excellent Confession of Faith, referred to in thft
above piotestatimi, Mr. Penry openly declares his religions
sentimentB, and most warmly avows his loyalty to the ^ueea
md government Though the whole is too long for inser-
(Kod, we cannot forbear transcribing a part of it, rarticularl^
that relating to his allegiance to her majesty. Because this
W9M called in question, ne declares, <^ I am not at this day^
^ nor evefT was in all my life, either guilty or privy, in any
^ purpose, consultation, or intention, of any sedition against,
^ or dnsb^AMince oi^ her nuijesty's royal state and govern-
^ ment. And if I were privy unto any such ungodly, undu-
^ tifid, and wicked actions or purposes, as might any way
<< impair or disturb the peaceable state of my Drince and
^ country, I would reveal, disclose, and withstand the same^
f^ to the utmost of my power, in all persons, foreign and
*< domestic, of what prdfession or religion soever they
^^mufatbe.
^ Her supreme authority, within her realms and dcmii-
f< nions,! acknowledgeto besuch, over all persons, and in all
^ oauses, as no person, whether civil or ecclesiai^cal, may
^ eaumpC himself or his cause ftrom the power and censure
*< nf her laws and sword. I do also acknowledge, that hepr
^ nunesty hath fuU authority from the Lord, to establish
^ and euct by her rojral power, all laws, both ecclesiastical
^ and civiL among lier subjects: in the making of which
^ laws, the Lord requireth that those which are ecclesiastical
f* be warranted by his own written word, which coatajm
f' whatioevar bekmceth to his worship; and those whijbii
^ are civil are fonnaed on the rules of justice and equity,
(< TUs ioveidlgit pieroi^ye «nd » ^hority of her hi^ess,
6t LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
^ I am most willing and ready to defend and mamtauiy
^ aeainst all the persons and states under heaven, to the loss
<< OT my life ten thousand times, if it were reqbired. Ani
<< I take the Lord to record, that, to my knowled^ I am
^ sure that day hath not passed over my head, smoe tho
<^ Lord, under her gracious rei^, hath brought me to the
^ knowledge of the trufli, wherem I have not prayed for the
*^ blessine of God, both external and internal, to be fully
^ poured forth upon her right excellent majesty's throoei
<^ government, and dominions : and that he would ccmvcf^
^ or speedily overthrow all his and her enemies, with tilieir
'^ ent^rises, whether they be domestic or foreign : hereof I
^< call tne S^cher of hearts in witness of the truth against
^ my soul, if I either dissemble or force in these premises."
After giving a particular account m his religious opinicwsy
he adds: <^ E^th, I thank God, I fear not I know ^at
<< the sting of death is taken away. And < blessed are the
^^deadtlmt die in the Lord.' Life I desire not,' if 1 be
•<< guilty of sedition, or defaming and disturUng her majesty's
*^ quiet and peaceable government. Imprisonments, indict-
<^ ments, arraignments, and death, are no meet weapons to
'^ convince the conscience grounded upon God's word. —
^^ Subscribed with heart and hand, by me John PenbTi
** now in strict bonds for the testimony of Christ **•
Mr. Ferny, during his imprisonment, was particularly
desirous to obtain a conference in the presence- of h^
majesty and the council. In one of his petitions, addressed
to the council, he therefore says, << A conference we are most
willing to yield unto. Our humble reouest unto her nmjesty
and your honours, is, that if it so stand with your ;^easure,
we may have but this equity yielded unto us : — 1. That the
questions on both sides be set down in writii^, and the
reasons briefly annexed to them ; that the answers also,' with
like brevity, be returned in writing, and so every thing will
be the more deliberately set down, and all other speeches and
matters be avoided. — 2, That such of us as are scholan^
may confer together (having also the use of books) about
the answers and replies that we shall make. — 3. That tihos6
of the ecclesiastical state, with whom we are to de^ ma/
only be parties in this conference, aiid not judses. Ain
that some of the civil state may be appointed by youi^
honours (if your lordships will not take the hearing of the
cause yourselves, which we had rather and earnestly craye^l
* l^tulBalioni of BsrrofTi Greenwood^ and PeBry.p. 39—46.
PENRY. 65
to see that both parties do contain themselves within bounds :
lest otherwise the holy truth of God should not be so dealt in
as beconreth the same ; or so holy and necessary an action
slMmld be unprofitable broken up by the infirmities^ ot
other giteter wants, of either party. "•
This generous proposal, however, was wholly rejected.
His wife^ Mrs. Helen Penry, at the same time presented a
nxMt moving petition to the Lord Keeper Puckering, for
access ta her poor distressed husband ; but it was attended
with no better 8uccess.f All Mr. Penry's intercessions, and
the intercessions of his friends, proved altogether inefiectual.
It WW, indeed, never known till this time, that a minister
and a schdar was condemned to death for private papers
found in his study; nor do I remember, says Mr. N^e^
more than one instance since that time, in whose case it was
Siven for law, that to write has been construed an overt act.
ut it seems Mr. Penry must die, right or wrong. This
his enemies appear to nave fully determined ; and herein
their wishes were soon gratified. Archbishop Whitgift was
the first man who si^ied the warrant for his execution,
and after him, Puckermg and Popham. The warrant was
immediately sent to flie sheriff*, who, the very same day,
erected a gallows at St. Thomas Waterings, and, while the
prisoner was at dinner, sent his officers to bid him make
ready, for he must die that afternoon. Accordingly, he wais
cained in a cart to the place of execution ; and when he
came there, was not allowed io speak to the people^ nor to
make any profession of his faith towards God, or his loyalty
to the queen ; but was hastily turned ofi^, about five o^clock
in the afternoon. May S9, 1593, in the thirty-fourth year
cf his 1^4 He left a widow and four poor children, the
ddot of which was not more than four years old, to feel
and bemoan the painful loss.
h'the preface to Mr. Penry's ^^ History of Corah,
Dstfaan, and Abiram,'' published after his death, it is said,
" That Mr. John Penry was a godly, learned, and eealous
man, and of a christian carriage and courage. That he was
bom and bred in the mountains in Wales ; and, with all
godly care and labour, endeavoured to have the gospel
preached among his countrymen, whose case he greatly
seemed to pity, wanting all the ordinary means of salvation.
That, being used by God for a special instrument in the
manifestation of his truth, he was hardly used, imprisoned,
♦ Baker's MS. CoHcc. vol. xv. p. 380. f Ibid, p. 378.
t Wood's AthcDSB Oxon. vol. i. p. 2S9.
VOL. II. F
66 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
condemned, and executed ; and so suffered martjrrdom far
the name of Christ. And more particularly, that he waft
adjudj^d by Sir John Popham, and the rest of the judges,
on th^25th of the fifth month, and executed at Stl Thoma»
Waterings, near London, the 29th of the same, in the year
1593. That he was not brought to execution imme-
diately, as most persons expected; but, when they iBuA
looked for it, he was taken while he was at dinner, and
carried secretly to his execution, and hastily bereaved of
his life, without being suffered to make a declaration of his
faith towards God, or his allegiance to the queen, thoogh
he very much desired it." And in the postscHpt, it is added,
^< That he was apprehended, adjudged, and executed for
writing the truth of Christ, whatever other things were
pretended against him."* He was undoubtedly a man of
great learning and piety ; but these excellent qualifications
could make no atonement to the prelates for his. zeal in the
cause of nonconformity, and for expressing his disapproba-
tion of the constitution and corruptions of the established
church. '' By his death, with the condemnation of Jol^p
Udal and Henry Barrow," says the Oxford historian, ^ the
neck of the plots of the fiery nonconformists was hroken,
and their brags were turned into prayers and tears, as the
only means for christian subjects."f Another author of the
same spirit, says, '' The pressing of the law thus close,
struck terror into the party, and made the dissenters of aU
sorts, less enterprizing against the government, "t These,
surely, are pitiful triumphs among professed protastants !
Mr. Peary was author of several learned pieces cm con*.
troversy, particularly against Dr. Some. In one of tbem
he endeavours to prove " that there is no church a^ aD in '
popery, and that all popish priests are out of the churdi,"
by a direct appeal to the conduct of all protestants in ibek ^
separation from the church of .Rome. '^U there; be a
church in popery, or if all popish priests be not out cSibt
church," says he, '' then those ma^strates and their •
subjects who have separated from the Romish religioii, to.
say the least, are schismatics. It is schism to make this
separation from the church. We may detest the corraptkms
. thereof; but we ought not to make such separation fixmi the
church, unless we would be accounted schiunatics. But
those magistrates and their people who made this separation
♦ Hcylin's Hlit. of Pres. p. 325, 326.
+ Wood's Athens OxoD. iro1.ii> p. 229.
t Collier's Eccl. Hist. vol. ii. p, 640.
PENRY. 67
lire not schismatics. Therefore the foundation of popery
k overthrown, and consequently there is no church in
popery.** To prove that ministers who do not preach, are
not ministers, he reasons thus : — ^' They are no ministers,"
says he, U because their ministry is evil and profane ; and
11^ ministry is evil and profane, because there is no
mention made of it in the word. A ministry not mentioned
in the word, is no ministry, but a profune constitution.
The .Lord hath expressly set down every ministry of the
New Teetoment, that should be in the church unto the
world's eikl. But he hath not once mentioned the ministry
of nupte readers; because it is not a preaching ministry, and
thei«fore no ministry at all."*
Di:. Some, it is said, wrote with great vehemence against
him. According to my author, ^^ He called this worthy
man, proud Penry. Penry had a dignity to which Some
iirps a stranrar. His dignity stood in a superior habit of
thinking : Some's in gown, title, and bluster. Some wrote
like a man who meant to bring Penry into hemp, and
liimself into lawn.^f
Mr. Penvy felt deeply concerned for the conversion and
ralvaticHi of his countrymen ; on which account he was
ancdonsly desirous to have a learned ministry in Wales.
His landable desires and endeavours to promote this great
object, are applauded even by Dr. Some, his great antago*
nist} He is supposed to have been the first, since the
commencement of tlie reformation, who preached the
goqpd in Wales. Some suppose that he laboured in the
ministry chiefly in his native country, and that he went
thith» upon his leaving the university. This, however^
appears very improbable. Mr. Thomas intimates, that he
wa^ probably the first, since the reformation, who openly
and publicly preached adult baptism. '^ And," says he, << I
am iniClined to think, that he was the first who administered
ibsai ordinance by immersion, and upon a profession of faith,
in and dbout Olchon, in the principality. § Though Wood
dencHninates him a notorious anabaptist^ it does not appear
from his Confession of Faith, or from any other source of
infiMmation we have met with, that he ever espoused the
sentiments of the baptists. Nevertheless, if what the writer
aboye cited observes, be correct, Mr. Penry was of the
^ • Some's Defence p. 175, 183. Edit 1588.
f Life of Aintworth, p. 68.
t Smne'sGodJyTreatlBe, p. 33. £dit. 1588,
S Tliofliai*8 BIS. Hiitory, p. 43.
68 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
denomination of particular baptists. Mr. Stiype writes of
Mr. Penry with very great acrimony.* Mr. Foulis, with
great injustice and falsehood, says, '' He was a man 'so
much guilty of his own yillanies, that, with Cain^ he
feared death firom every man^s hand ; and, therefore^ was
forced to skulk and ramble amongst bis friends for proteo
tion.^'f These accounts of so learned, laborious, and pious
a man, remind us of the case of some of the primitiTe
christians, who, being dressed in bears' skins, were cast
among wild beasts to he torn in pieces. Mr. Penry was the
author of several learned works ; but it was never proved
that he had any hand in the writings under the title of
lifartin Mar-Prelate.. Though most of the high churchmen
ascribe them to him and several others, it is well known
the real authors were never found out ; consequaitly, the
charge is without foundation. The following is supposed
to te a correct list of his writings, though we dare not
warrant them all to have been his.
His Works. — 1. A Treatise containing the Equity of an HmnUc
Sopplication which is to be exhibited unto her Gracious Majesty and
this High Court of Parliament, in the behalf of the Country of Wales,
.that some Order may be taken for the Preaching of the CSoroel
among those People, 1697. — 2, A View of some part of such PaMie
Wants and Disorders as are in the Serrice of God, withia ha
Majesty's Country of Wales ; with an Humble Petition to the IHipk
Court of Parliament for their speedy Redress, 1588.—^. A. Defence
of that which hath been written in the Questions of the Ignonyit
Ministry, and the Communicating with them, 15%S. — 4. ExhgrtvlioB
unto the Gt>vemors and People of her Majesty's Country of WMl
to labour earnestly to haye the Preaching of the Gospel jpfauntM
among them, 1688.-76. Dialogue ; wherein is plainly laid open tte
Tyrannical Dealings of the Lords Bishq>s against God's ChildreD,
1589. — 6. Treatise, wherein is manifestly proved, that RefcHrmatioD,
and those that sincerely favour the same, are unjustly chai^ged to be
Enemies to her Majesty and the State, 1690 — 7. The State of ftm
Church of England. — 8. Petition of Peace. — 9. His Apology. — Vk
Of public Ministry. — 11. History of Corah, Dathan, and Abiran,
applied to the Prelacy, Ministry, and Church-Assemblies of England,
1609.
Thomas Gatakcb, A. B. — ^He was descended ftom ft
very ancient and respectable family at Gatacre-haU^ in
Shropshire. His parents, who were zealous papM^
designed him for the law ; for which purpose, he was
uierea a stuaent at the Temple. While in
♦ Strype's Whitgift, p. 34ff— 360.— Annah, Tol. iii. p.
t Foulig'a Hist, of Plots, p. 61.
611-^1 Ob
T. GATAKER, Sew. W
he oodisiiHially visited his friends and relations at court, and
was <^en present at the examinations of the pious confessors
of truth^ under the barbarous severities of popery. The
shocking spectacle had the happiest effect on his mind*
For, while he beheld the constancy of the sufferers, who,
nith invincible patience, and for the testimony of a good
conscience, endured the most relentless and cruel usage ; the
tragic scene proved the happy means of awtikening his
mind, and of leading him to reject popery and embrcice the
protestant religion. His parents, apprehensive of the
4change in his opinions, sent him to Louvain, in Flanders ;
and, to wean him effectually from his new thoughts about
religion, settled upon him a considerable estate: but he
^xmnted all worldly allurements and advantages as nothing in
•Cdmparison of Christ. His father at length perceiving him
to be immoveable, called him home, and revoked his grant ;
.which, however, could not take effect without his son's
consent. Young Gataker counted the cost. He had
already learned the hard lesson of self-denial, and of
fiMBaking all for Christ and a good conscience ; therefore,
lie voluntarily gave up that which had been the bait of his
^moBtacj. This was in the beginning of the reign of Queen
Jjarv.f
. lor. Gataker being cast off by his unnatural parents, was
ienabl^ to put his trust in the liord, who, in a very remark-
able manner, raised up friends, by whom he was sent to
the. university of Oxford, and supported by their great
ffeneioglty. After having spent eleven years in that seat of
kamiog, he entered at Magdalen college, Cambridge, where
.he oontintied about four years. In the year 1568, he
entered upon the ministerial function, and was ordained
both deacon and priest by the Bishop of London ; and, in
J576,was admitted vicar of Christ's church, London, which
lie resigned in 1578, probably on account of his puritanical
princqiles. He became rector of St. Edmunds in Lom-
tMund-street, June 21, 1573, but resigned it by death, previous
to June S, 1593, when the next incumbent entered upon the
benefice.f He was a minister of puritanical principles,
iniiiished with excellent parts, a zealous preacher, a most
conscientious divine, firm m his attachment to the protestant
TeligioQ, and some time domestic chaplain to the Earl of
.Leicester. Though he left behind him only a small fortune,
lie left many friends, particularly among the great men of
• Clark's Lives umexed to Martyrologie, p. 848, 949«
fiViwmwuttB Sc^ Repert. fol. i. p, 344.
70 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
the law, with whom he had been, iii the earlier part of hu
life, a fellow-student; and who, on that account, weie
afterwards ready to testify their respect to his memory, by
affording their countenance and expressing their kindness to
.his son.* His son was the celebrated Mr. Thomas Grataker,
another puritan diyino, who was first chosen lecturer at the
Temple, then minister at Rotherhithe, near London.
. Arthur Wake. — This excellent person was son of
John Wake, esq. and descended from a very ancient and
honourable family. He was canon of Christ^s Church in
■Oxford, and a most popular and useful preacher. In the
year 1565, he was preferred to the benefice of Great- Billing,
m Northamptonshire ;f and several times he preached tne
serinon at Paul's cross. In one of these sermons, delivned
in the year 1573, he boldly defended the sentiments of Mr.
Cartwright in his reply to Whitgift, and openly declaied
his objections against the estwlished church. Bishop
Sandys, of London, the very next day, sent a pursuivant
to apprehend him ; but he had left the city, and returned
to Oxford, where his lordship's authority could not reach
him. The bishop, meeting with this sore disappointment,
wrote to the Lord Treasurer Burleigh and the ESaii of
I^eu^ster, the latter being at that time Chancellor of Oxford,
urging them to take the case into consideration. t It does
not appear, however, that the two honourable persons were
at all disposed to comply with his lordship's solicitations*
Though Mr. Wake escaped the snare of the Bishop of
London, he fell, the same year, into the hands of Scamoler,
Bishop of Peterborough, when he received the ecclesiastical
censure. He was rector of the above place ; and being
cited before the bishop's chancellor, he was^rst suspended
for three weeks, then deprived of his living. Mr. Eusebins
Pa^et,^ cind several other worthy ministers,* were suspended
and deprived at the same time. They were all laborioiH
and useful preachers. Four of them^were licensed by the
university, as learned and religious divines ; and ibi^ of
them had been chosen moderators in the religious exerciies.
The reason of Mr. Wake's deprivation, and that of his
brethren, was. not any error in doctrine, nor any depravitj
of life ; but because they could not, witli a good ccmscienoe^
• Biog. Britan. toI. W. p. 2155, S156. Edit. 1747.
'f Bridget's Hist, of NortbamptooshiTe, toI. i. p. 407.
t Str>pe'i Whitgift, Appen. p. 19. S See ArtBoielitas Fttg^
WAKE. 71
subicribe to two forms devised by the commissioners. In
one of these forms, called forma promissioms^ they were
leqniised to subscribe and swear, '' That they would use the
Book of Common Prayer, and the form ot administration
of the sacraments, invariably and in all points to the utmost
of their power, according to the rites, orders, forms, and
ceiemonles therein prescribed; and that they would not
iiereafter, preach or speak any thing to the degradation of
the said book, or any point therein contained.^' — In the
other form, c^eA forma abjuratioms^ they were required to
subscriber and swear, '' That the Book of Consecration of
Archbishops and Bishops, and of the ordering of priests
and deacons, set forth in the time of King Edward Vh and
confirmed by authority of parliament, doth contain in it all
things necessary to such consecration and ordering, having
in it, according to their judgment, nothing that is either
rapentitious or ungodly; and, therefore, that they who
•iTere consecrated m^ ordered according to the said book,
ireteiliily, orderly, and lawfully consecrated and ordained.
vAnd that they acknowledge their duty and obedience to
•ihtit ordinary and diocesan as to a lawful magistrate under
the queen's majesty, as the laws and statutes do require ;
l^bich obedience they do promise to perform, according as
the laws shall bind them. In testimony whereof they do
hereunto subscribe their names.''*
Mr. Wake and his brethren, refusing to be tied by these
fetters, offered to use the Book of Conmion Prayer and no
other, and promised not to preach against it before the meet-
ing of the next parliament ; but they apprehended both the
.subscription and the oath to be contrary to the laws of God
and the realm. In these painful circumstances, being all
deprived of their livings, they appealed to the Archbishop of
JDlEaiiterbury, but he rejected their appeal. Upon this,
having suffered deprivation about two years, they presented
a supplication to the queen and parliament ; in which, after
presenting an impartial statement of the tyrannical oppres-
sione under which they laboured, they give the following
•seasons for refusing the subscription and the oath : — '^ That
.th^. should thereby have allowed, contrary to their
.consciences, that it was lawful for women to baptize
children: — That they would. have exposed themselves to
much danger : — ^That any man, though ever so unable to
preach the word, might be made a minister, according to
» MS. Hrfiitefy p. 198.
Tf LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
the said book: — And that they should have given their
coo^ent to the unlaM^ful form of ordination, wherein are
these words, Receive the Holj/ Ghost, &c." They crnicludc
by expressing their concern for their bereaved flocks, and
how aesirous they were of being restored to their forma
labour and usefiilQess, earnestly soliciting the favour of the
queen, and the lords and commons in parliament.*
Though the case of these pious divines was deserving the
utmost compassion^ they could not obtain the least rearess.
They had wives and large families of children, now^
reduced to extreme poverty and want, and, as they expressed
in the above supplication, if God in his providence did ndt
interfere, they should be obliged to go a begging; yet they
could procure no relief. The distress of these zealous and
laborious servants of Christ, was greatly increased by the
ignorance and insufficiency of tneir successors. They
<i^i^ld scarcely read so as to be understood, and the peopk
were left in a great measure untaught. Instead of two
sermons every Lord's day, which each of them had
JTegularly delivered, the new incumbents did not preach
•more than once in a quarter of a year, and frequently not so
<rften. The numerous parishioners among whom they had
laboured, signed petitions to the bishop for the restoration
of their former ministers ; but all to no purpose. They
must subscribe and take the oath, or be buried in silence.-f-
It does not appear how long Mr. Wake remained under
,the ecclesiastical censure, or whether he was ever restored
to his benefice. He was living in the year 1593, and at
that time minister at St. John's Hospital in Northampton^
He was a divine of good learning, great piety, and a zealous,
laborious, and useM preacher. He was father to Sir Isaac
'Wake, a learned and eloquent orator at Oxford, afterwards
^amba^ador to several foreign courts, and a member ef
parliament.^
WiLi^iAM Whitakbr, D. D. — This most celebrated
divine was born at Holme, in theparish of Bundey, in Lanca^
•shire, in the year 154:7, and descended from an ancient and a
respeptable family. His mother was Elizabeth NoweU,
sister to Dr. Alexander Nowell, Dean of St. Paul's, who
married Thomas Whitaker, in 1590, and stirvived her
• MS. Register, p. t02. + Ibid. p. 198, 199.
1 Bridges's Hist, of Northamptonshire, toI. i. p. 457.
S Wood's Athensi Ozon. vol, i. p. 491*
W. WHITAKER. t4
maniage t&e wonderful period of seventy-six yean.*
"Early in the reign of Qneen Elizabeth, young Whitaker
ifaasent for to London by the dean his uncle. He was by
this means taken from his parents, by whom he had been
nursed in the' superstitions of popery, and trained up in the
public school founded by Dr. Colet, who was NowelFs
pious predecessor. There he so profited in good literature^
and gave such presages of his excellent endowments^ that
at the age of eighteen, his pious kinsman sent him to the
vniversi^ of Cambridge, and he was admitted into Trinity
coll^fe ; where his further progress being answerable to his
beginning, he was first chosen scholar, then fellow of the
lioiiae. He soon procured high esteem and great fame by
Ins learned diq)utations and other exercises, which were
performed to the great admiration of the most eminent
persons in that seat of learning, f He was a person of
eztiaoffdiiiaiy talents and uncommon application, and it
wta his general practice, and that of several other eminent
persons of his time, to stand while employed in study-t
As a proof of his great proficiency, and as a token of
.natitude to his generous kinsman, he translated Nowell^s
tSatecbism into Greek, which he performed with the
greatest accuracy, and presented it to him. He, at the
same time, translated into Latin the English Liturgy, and
Bishop Jewel's Reply to Harding, bv which he obtained a
distinginshed reputation.^ Indeed, nis great fame was not
caa&SeA to the learned in Cambridge ; but having taken
his varions d^ees with great applause in that university,
he was incorporated doctor in divinity at Oxford. {
Upon the preferment of Dr. William Chadderton to the
'bishopric^ of Chester, our learned divine succeeded him in
•the ^office' of regius professor in the university of Cam*
bridge* He was, inoeed, very young for such a place;
yet, on account of his great literary accomplishments, be
was unanimously chosen to this high office, though s(Hne
* Charton*! Life of NoweU, p. 64.— Dean NoweU was prolocutor of the
lower bome ef cooTocation, in 1562, when the articles of rell^oD were
agreed opon. In 1564, when the debates ran high aboat the use of the
clerical garments, he discovered great moderation. He consented to the
ose of them, but with a protestation that he wished them taken away, for
-the fbUowlng reasons : — 1. *' For fear of the abuse they might occasion. —
9m To express more strongly a detestation of the corruptions aB4
.superstitions of the papists. — 3. For a fuller profession of christian
libelrty.— 4. To pnt an end to the disputes among brethren." — BUg^
BrUtmi v«l. ▼.. p. 9268. Edit. 1747.
f Knight's Life of Colet, p. 397. Edit. 1724.
t Granger's Biog. Hist. toI. i. p. 99. § Clark's Eccl. Hist. p. 814^
I Wood's AthoBK Oxoot toI. i. p. T44.
U UVES OP THE PURITANS.
were much vexed to see a man, nvhom they deemed unfit
for the situation, preferred before those who were more
advanced in years. He no sooner entered upon his official
duties, in the delivery of public lectures, than he gave the
most perfect satisfaction to all his hearers. There was in
him nothing wanting which could be found in the best
divine, and the most accomplished professor. He al once
discovered much reading, a sharp judgment, a pure and
easy style, with sound and solid learning, by which his
fame spread in every direction, and multitudes resorted to
Ills lectures, and reaped from them incalculable advantage.*
To.qualify himself for these public exercises, he directed
his studies, with uncommon application, to all the .useful
branches of human learning. He was a great proficient in
tile knowledge of philosophy. With uncommon diligence
he studied the sacred scriptures, to which he invariably
appealed, not only in matters of faith, but in the detemina-
tion of all doubts and controversies. He turned over mott
of the modern commentators and faithful interpreters of the
word of God. With incredible industry, and in the space
of a few years, he read over most of the fathers, both Greek
and Latin. He attended to his studies with the greatest
regularity, and appointed himself every morning what
exercises he should pursue during the day ; and if he was
at any time interrupted in his engagements, he always
protracted his studies to a late hour, and so deprived
himself of his natural rest and sleep, in order to finish his
appointed task. By this course of labour and watching he
very much increased in learning, but greatly impaired his
health, which he never afiter perfectly recovered.
In the public exercises in the schools, his great learning
and singular aloquence rained the admiration of all hu
auditors. When he read in rhetoric and philosophy, he
seemed to be another Basil ; when he catechised, anc^er
Origen ; and when be preached his Conceo ad CUrrnn^ it
abounded with sanctity and all kinds of learning. In the
office of professor, he delivered public lectures first upon
various select parts of the New Testament, then he entered
upon the controversies between the papists and pio-
testants. He first encountered the vain-glorious Campian,
who set forth his ten arguments, proudly boasting that he
had utterly ruined the protestant religion. Wmtaker so
learnedly and so completely refuted the haughty Jesnjjt^
• Clark's £ccl. Hiit. |p. 8U.
*
W. WHITAKER. 75
4hat all his boasting vanished into smoke. Afterwards
came forwards Duiy, another Jesuit, who undertook to
answer Wbitaker, and to vindicate Campian. As Campian
had set {orth his work with great ostentation and youthful
confidence ; so Dury carriea on the controversy with much
•railing and scurrility. Whitaker admitted his opponent to
.lutve the pre-eminence in calumny and abuse; but he
leluted all his arguments, and discovered all his fallacies,
nith such good sense and sound judgment, that it is said,
*^ the truth was never more fully cleared by any man."
His next antagonist was Nicolas Saunders, who boasted thaf
by forty demonstrative arguments, he had proved that the
pope was not antichrist. Whitaker examined these argu-
ments, and answered them with great learning and solidity,
letOrtiiig many of them upon the author himselfl After
this, Rainolds, another apostate, pretended to reply, and,
with siibtilty and malice, represented the English divines
iolie at variance among themselves ; and by this means, he
enddEivoured to expose protestantism to the greater hatred
and contempt. But our learned Whitaker at once perceived,
and with great judgment, exposed his crafty insinuations
andfisdsehoods ; yet, he declared that the book was so vain
and foolish, that he scarcely thought the author worthy of
an JEuiswer.*
Dr. Whitaker was afterwards preferred to the mastership
of St. John's college, Cambridge, though not without much
opposition from the ill-affected in the university, of which
Funer gives the following curious account : — " He was
appointed by the queen's mandamus; and Dr. Cap-coat, the
▼ice-chancellor, went along with him, being attended by a
goodly company, solemnly to induct him to his place, when
ne met with an unexpected opposition. They could not
gain admittance. The gates were shut, partly manned and
partljir boyed against him. The vice-chancellor retreated to
Trinity college; and after consulting the lawyers, he^
according to ^ir advice, created Dr. Whitaker master (n
SU John s in his own chamber, by virtue of the queen^s
mandate. This done, he re-advanceth to St. John's, and
with a POSSE AcADEMiiE, demands admission. The
Jobniaiu having intelligence by their emissaries, that the
property of the pierson was altered, and Dr. Whitaker
invested with the mastership, and knowing the queen would
♦ CUrk'i Eccl. WnU p. Mh-M. ^
76 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
maintain tier power from her crown to her foot, took wit im
their anger, and received hun/'»
Notwithstanding the above opposition, the new master,
by his clemency, nis equity, and his goodness, presently
overcame their exasperated minds, and turned tl^ir enmi^
and prejudice into love and admiration* He alwayt
governed the college with great prudence and moderatiQi^
and sacrificed his own interest for the advantage of the
public, as appeared by his own frugality and the testimony
of those who lived with him. In the choice of scliolan
and fellows, he was always impartial and unMameable, aii3
would never suffer any corruption to creep into the electioiis*
If he found any who by bribes had endeavoured to buy
aoffrages, they, however deserving^ in other respects, of afi
i^ers, should not be chosen.f This account of his great
integrity, and his particular care in the government of hii
college, affords a complete refutation of the great n^Ied,
with which he is charged by the insinuation of another
historian.}
Under the mastership of Dr. Whitaker, all worthy
scholars and fellows received the encouragement due to
their character and desert. He distributed the rewards of
learning with an impartial hand; but all indiscreet and
improper measures were justly discountenanced. There
was only one way to prefemient, and that was founded upon
merit and real worth. This made the coU^e flourish in
sound learning, and swarm in the number of its members.
There were no less than thirty-eight fellow-conmioners in fte
house at one time, which, upon a moderate computation,
are said to have been more than at any other period since
the foundation, or than probably ever will be a^ain. This,
for the purpose of their accommodation, led to several
considerables enlar^ments of the coUe^. His learning was
not confined to nimself : it was diffusive. It spread
itself through the whole society ; and, by his example,
instruction, and encouragement, he raised so much emulation!
amonff the fellows, as to make others learned as Well as
liimsdrf. Indeed, die society in his time was looked iipcm
|M something more than a private college. He himseli^
who was no boaster, used to style it a little university.^
Bellarmine, tfae Bomish disputant^ growing ^mous
« FuUer's Hist, of O^b. p. 96, 97. f CUrVi £ccl. Hist. p. 819,
J Fuller's Hist, of Camb. p. 97.
Baker*! MS. CoUec. T9l. i. p.lSlT— 819*
W. WHITAKEB. 77
about (his time, and bein^looked upon by his own party as
an invincible champion, Dr. Whitaker undertook to defend
the bulwarks of protestantism against the assaults of the
popish adversary ; and it is observed, ^' that he cut off tho
head of his antagonist with his own weapons." The first
pait of this controversy was concerning the holy Scripture ;
theiir about the Church, the Councils, the Bishop of Rome^
the Ministers, departed Saints, the Church Triumphant, the
Sacraments, Baptism, and the Lord^s Supper; some of
which lie pubUshed ; but he had not leisure to print them alL
During tne whole controversy, he treated his Romish
opponent^ not with keen reproach, or under the influence of
passion, but as one who sought to promote the truth.
BeUarmine being completely siknced, Thomas Stapleton, a
superstitious oldman, and professor at Louvain, undertook
to answer Whitaker, which he performed in a volume
sufficiently large, but in most abusive and scurrilous,
language. Therefore, lest die angry and bigotted old man
should seem wise in his own eyes, Whitaker answered him
accotdine to his deserts, and in keener language than usual.*
Dr. Whitaker was a man of the greatest celebrity, and
wa% fox many years, concerned in most of the public trans-
actions in the university of Cambridge. His name is often
menti<med by historians, especially by an invaluable
collector of scarce and curious information,^ as taking a
most flealous and active part in promoting the peace and
pioq^ty of this seat of learning. In the year 1580, he
was presented by the queen to Uie chancdlorship of St
Panl^ -London, which he resiff ned in 1587 ; but on what
account we cannot learn4 Iii the year 1591, Dr. Goad^
provost of King's coU^, Cambridge presented a request
to Dean NoweU, in beludf of Dr. Whitaker, that he might
be preferred to some more valuable benefit. The venerable
deajK anxious to serve his friend and kinsman, forwarded
Dr. Goad's letter, the day he received it, together with one
of his own, to the lord treasurer ; reminding his lordship of
Dr. Whitaker's great learning, well known at Cambridge by
the producticHis of his pen in Greek and Latin ; and not
unknown to his lordship, to whom several of his works had
hem dedicated. His fitoess for presiding over a learned
society had paitlv appeared, from the quietoess and sood
order which had been established in St. John's coTl^
since he became master ; and as to his circumstances, they
• Clark'i Ecd. Hist. p. SIS. f Balber'i MS. CoUectioos.
t Gffmi^er'i Blof . Hilt. fol. L p. SIS.
78 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
were so far from being affluent, that the dean, in considen(«
tien of his poverty, ha(^ now. for two years past taken upon
himself the maintenance of one of his sons. Ihisapplica*
tion, however, in behalf of Dr. Whitaker, whatever might
be the reason of it, proved unsuccessful.*
' Some of our historians affirm, that this celebrated divine
was not a puritan; for which, indeed, they produce very
little evidence, or rather no substantial evidence whatever.
That which is commonly pleaded for evidence in this case^
is Dr. Whitaker's letter to Dr/ Whitgift, in which he gives
his s^itiments with great freedom,conceming M r.Cartwrigfat
and his opinions, as follows : — " I have read,^* saith he, ^^ a
Seatpart of that book (Cartwrighf s second Reply) which
r. Cartwright lately published. I pray Grod I live not, if
ever I saw any thing more loosely and ahnost more childishly
written. It is true that for words, he hath great store, and
those both fine and new : but for matter, as Tar as I can
judge, he is altogether barren. Moreover, he'dotb not only
think perversely of the authority of princes, in caused
ecclesiastical, but also flieth into the holds of the papists,
from whom he would be thought to dissent with a mcurtal
hatred. But in this point he is nof to be endured : and in
other parts also he borroweth his arguments from the papists.
He playeth with words, and is lame in his sentences, and h
altogether unworthy to be confuted by any man of learning.'*
Our author adds, that Dr. Whitaker wr€^ this letterabout
the time that he began to write against Campian.f And
what does the whole of it prove ? It is designed to reproach
Mr. Cartwright, his book, and his sentiments, and to prove
Dr. Whitaker. to have been no puritan, of which it certainly
contains no suljstantial evidence. For, admitting- the
letter to be genuine, it only contains Dr. Whitalj^er's
opinion of mr. Cartwright and his publication, and no
evidence either for or a^inst the puritanism of the writer.
But there is some reason to suspect that the letter is a
forgery, and devised only to blacken the memory of the
puritans. It rests upon the sole authority of Dr. BaQCipfli
one of the bitterest and most violent of all their enemies;
and is said to have been written near the time when Dj.
Whitaker united with other learned divines in soliciting
Mr. Cartwright to undertake an answer to the Rhenad»
translation, in which, among other commend^ticms, they
addressed him as follows : — " It is not for every one rashly
• Cborton'sLifeofNowel], p. 322,323. f BMcroft'sSiinr«y,p«S79,38a.
W. WHITAKER. 79
to be tbilist fbrth into the Lord's battles ; but such captain*
aie to be chosen from amongst David's worthies, one of
which we acknowledge you to be, by the former battles
undergone for the wms of our cUv^ the church. We doubt
not, if you will enter this war, but that you, fighting for
cxinscience and country, will be able to tread under foot the
fiNTces of the Jebusites, which set themselves to assault the
tower rf David."»
The former battles which Mr. Cartwright is here said to
haye undergone for the walls or discipline of the church, and
for. which he received so high a commendation from Dr.
Whitaker and his brethren, were the controversies he had
with Dr. Whitgifl: but when the same controversies are
described by the unworthy pen of Dr. Bancroft, Dr.
Whitaker is made to speak the language of keen reproach^
both of Mr. Cartwright and of his former battles. How
can the two things be reconciled ? Shall we conclude that
Whitaker was guilty of such palpable inconsistency ? Thi»
was no trait in his character. Did he then completely
change his opinion of Cartwright and his controversy^
during the short interval of joining in the address to this
divine, and writing the foregoing letter to Whitgift ? This
would be contrary to numerous facts, as will presently
appear. Did he address Whitgift, now Archbishop of
CiBuiterbiiry, merely to flatter him, and procure his favour ?
He never lost his ravour, and no one was ever less guilty of
flattery.
In the year 1589, an assembly was held in St. John's
coUeae, Cambridge, of which Dr. Whitaker was master.
Mr. Cartwright and many others were present on this occa-
sion, and the meeting was designed io promote a purer form
of discipline in the church. At the same time, ^^ divers
imperfecti<Hi8 in the Book of Discipline were corrected,
altered and amended ; and they did not only perfect the
said book, but did then and there voluntarily agree, that as
nuuiy as were willing should subscribe the said Book of
Discipline."f Therdbre, among the learned divines who
subscribed, was the renowned Dr. Whitaker.t He is also
said to have united with other puritan divines in promoting
tbe reformed discipline, and to have assembled with them
finr this purpose in their private associations.^
The year following, this learned divine was charged with
holding or forming a presbytery in his college, and with
• See Art. Cartwright. f Bancroft's Survey, p. 67.
t Nesl'i Poritaiii, toI. i. p. i^. S Baker's MS. CoUec. vol. zv. p. 79.
80 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
other nnjast accusations, when he went up to London^ and
'wrote the following letter to Lord Burleigh, chancellor of
the university.*
^^ My hnmUe duty to your honourable lordship.
^^ I wiU not complain to your lordship, of those thfit
<^ have complained of me ; who, seeing me resolved to come
<< up about my necessary defence, and fearing that the
** complaint made concerning a preshi/ten/ would be easilr
<^ disproved, have devised other matters, which eith»^ toucii.
<<me nothing at all, or else are most frivolous; and ye^
<' being thus heaped together, seem to be of Some weirat,
^< Although I foresee the inconvenience of a new visitatiosi^
<^ which is the only thing they shoot at ; yet I fear not any
^^courseof justice whatsoever; and I do willingly submit
<^ mvself to what order your lordship shall take for diM
^^ tnal of these matters. In one thing for a taste, your
<< lordship may judge of the rest. I am charged that I lay.
** at my orolher Chadderton's, the night before J came up,.
<< Indeed the truth is, I lay in the colle^, as I ever do : but: .
<< this was only a slight to bring in some menticm of joij
<< brother, whom they hate as much as me. If it may stand
^< with your honour's good pleasure, to let me have that
^^ writing that was eiiuibited against me, I will set down
^< mine answer to every particular point, and return the
^< same again to your lordship. Thus I humbly take mr
<* leave. From the Dean of Paul's house, October %
" Your lordship's to serve in Che Ijord,
" William Whitaker."
We have not been able to learn what answer Dr.
Whitaker gave to the accusations of his enemies, norliow*
long his troubles continued ; but he most probably obtained'
his release, and, without much interruption, returned t6 hii
wonted exercises in the university. He was a divine who
had a correct view of the genuine principles of protestantism^ ,
and would appeal to the authority of the holy scripttumii
alone, in the decision of all religious controversy. " We .
may warrantably enough," says he, "reject all hunum
testimonies, and insist upon some clear scripture testimony, .
For this is the constant sense of the catholic fathers, that
nothing is to be received or approved in religion, which .ir
not bottomed on the testimony of scripture, and caniiot fie.
proved and confirmed out of those sacked writinga: and
• Baker's MS. CoUec. toI. zil. p. 56S.
1 W. WHITAKER. 81
I
1 very deservedly, since the scripture is the absolute rule of
f iruihJ'** From these generous principles, he was induced^
; with several other excellent divines, to write against the
sujperstitious and ridiculous^practice of bowing at the name
or Jesns.f Upon the same generous principles, he was no
frigid to episcopacy, but a decidea advocate for the
eldership, wnich the puritans sought to have established.
<« Episcopacy," saith he, " was invented by men as a
remedy against sin ; which remedy many wise and holy
men have judged to be worse than the disease itself, and so
it luUh proved by woeful experience.''^ In his answer to
Campian^s ten ar^^uments, he says, '^ A presbyter and a
bishop are by divme right the same ; and if Arius was an
heretic for saying so, Jerome certainly was akin to the same
heresy/'^ And m his reply to Dury, he avows the same
sentiment, saying, " Presbyters being by divine right the
same as bishops, might warrantably set other presbyters
€f^et the churches."! He was decidedly of opinion, that
. all ecclesiastical persons should confine themselves to their
ecclesiastical functions, without the exercise of any tempo-
ral iaiithority.l On these accounts, Mr. Strype very justly
observes, that though he Mas a learned and pious man, a
public professor of divinity, and a good writer against the
€hurch of Rome ; yet " he was no friend to the church of
E!ii|land."«*
Br. Whitaker, Dr. Fulke, Dr. Chadderton, Mr. Dod, and
other learned puritans, held their private meetings in the
aniyersity, with a view to their own improvement in a
knowledge of the holy scriptures. Our divine married for
his first wife, the pious sister of the two famous preachers, ^
Mr. Samuel and Mr. Ezeklel Culverwell, and Dr. Lawrence
Chadderton married another sister. For his second wife, he
married the grave and pious widow of Mr. Dudley Fenner ;
and by both of them he had eicht children, to whom he
EYe a religious education.+t " It must be confessed," say»
r. Baker, <^ he had somewhat of the old leaven," meaning
liis puritanism. '^ His marriage into the families of the
Gulyerwells and Fenners, and his acquaintance with
Cturtwright, Fulke, Chadderton and Dod, might give him
.* CalftBy*! DffeDGe of Noncon. vol. i. p. 197. Edit. 170S.
-t Pk'jme*! Cnnt. Doome, p. 469.— Wood^s Athene Oxon. vol. i. p. 348.
fLeif^toii** Sioo*8 Plea, p. 18 : fi-om Whitaker.
FMitioo of Prelates filzamined, p. 15. Edit. 1641.
n Colmmy's Defence of Noncon. vol. i. p. 71.
^ BAker*t MS. Collec. vol. xz. Tbii vol. is not paged.
• • 8Crjpe*i Whitflfl, p. SJUk + + Clark's Eccl. Hlit. p. 817.
▼OL. II. G
82 LIVES OP TD E PURITANS.
an insensible bias that way ; jct the meetings he held witli
these persons, were not intended to introduce 8 new.dii^'
cipline, but to expound the scripture/'*
In the year 1595, there were many warm disputes about
points of christian doctrme. The fire of contention broki;
out in the university of Cambridgei in which Dr. Whitdber
was. deeply involved. He shewed himself the sealou
advocate of the supralapsarian sentiments, and was wannlT
opposed by Dr. Baro and others of the same party. To
put an end. to these disputes, the heads of the univeniijr
sent Dr. Whitaker and Dr. Tyndal up to Lambeth, for the
Suipose of consulting with the archbishop, and other leaimd
i vines, upon these points ; when they concluded upon nine
propositions, commonly called the Lambeth ariides^ to
which the scholars in the university were enjoined an exact
conformity.f
Dr. Wliitaker, during his journey to Lambeth, fell i&du
.occasioned by his unusual fatigue and want of sleep, ana
died soon aner his return to Cambridge. Throu^ the
whole of his affliction, he discovered great submission to the
divine will. With holy and happy composure, he said,
^' O .Lord my God, though thou kill me ; j^y I am Mune^
•that with these eyes I shall see thee ; for in thee do I hope."
To a friend, who asked him one morning how he dici^ he
replied, ^' O happy night ! 1 have not token so sweet it
.sleep since my disease fcU upon me.'' His friend afterwaids
finding him in a cold sweat, and telling him that sisns of
death were upon him, he immediately answered, ^' Life or
death is welcome to me, which Qod plea^th ; for deitk
shall be an advantage to me. I desire not to live, but only
* Baker*8 MS. Collec. vol. i. p. 814. toI. xz,
f These articles were the foUowing : — *' God hath, froa etcntty»
predestinated certain persons to life ; and hath reprolmted certain p«fiMi
unto death. — ^Tbc moving or efficient cause of predestination uoto life, h
not the foresight of faith, or of perseverance, or of good worki, or oftMj
thing that I3 in the persons predestinated : but only the good will afld
pleasure of God. — ^There is pre-determined a certain number of the pre*-
de^tinate, which can neither be. augmented nor diminished. — ^Thoiewbt
are bot predestinated to salvation, shaU inevitably be eondemDed for thrif
■ins. — A true, lively, and justifying faith, and the spirit of God JnitifyiBf 1
is not extinguished, doth not utterly fail, doth not vanish away. In the elect,
either Snally or totally. — A true believer, that is, one who is ODdusd jrith
justifying faith, is certain with the Aill assurance of foith, of the renissiofr
of his sins, and of his everlasting salvation by Christ. — Saving grace 19 BOt
given, is not granted, is not communicated to all men, by which they Bty
-be saved if they will. — No man is able to come unto Christ, nofeiB It be
given him, and unless the Father draw him : and all men are not dimwfi hj
the Father, that they may come to the Son. — it is not in the will or MWfr
of every man to be saved.'*-— Furfer'* Church Hist. b. iz« p. i^90-^Htt!.
. W.WHITAKER. 8»
so far as I may do Grod and his church service ;''• and soon
after quietly departed in the Lord, December 4, 1595, ia
the forty-seventh year of his age, having filled the professor's
cbair about sixteen years, and that of master almost nine.
'Dean Nowell, in his last will and testament, made the
SMomine bequest: ^' To his- cousin. Dr. Whitakcr-of
CSainbric^e, he gives twenty books of his own choosing •»*.
bpt Ihe venerable.dean survived him some years.f In the'
dboye year he was preferred to a prebendary in the church;
of Ginteibnry. He certainly deserved greater preferment^
aqdhe stood in need of it; for he died poor, considering;
ti^ jgunily he left behind him. It was some reproach to the
UB&m^ that the two greatest men that ever nlled the pio«
Soamk^n chair in the university of Cambridge, should have.
beep no better provided for : these were Dr. Whitaker, and
tb^' celebrated Martin Bucer, who was forced to borrow
IBoney with his last breath.^ Dr. Whitaker's. library was
very dioice and valuable, which the queen designed to obtain
bi lienel^ and Archbishop Whit^in wished to procure his
aimierous and valuable manuscnpts. At his death, the
college Gonfisrred upon him the honour of a public fjoneral^
an account of which is still preserved amon^ the recoids ci
the society, where so much is put down for his funeral feast,
sp much for his tomb, and so much for the other necessary
ezpenaesk Mr. Bois delivered a funeral oration at his
Sve, and the vice-chancellor and public oratqr or his
nity at St. Mary's church.^ His corpse was, with veiy
gieat aolemnity and lamentatiqn, carried to the grave, and
IWiaterred in the chapel of St. John's college. Near th^
^ace of his interment was a costly monumental inscription
elected to his memory, of which the following is a transla-
tion:!
, . . , This Monument is erected
/ to the memory of Doctor Whitaker,
• fontieriy the royal interpreter of Scnpture.
' His interpretations were adorned with elegance of language ;
bis judgment was acute,
his method beautiful^
hb memory strong,
his labours and perseyeranee invincible;
and his life most holy.
With these very rare endowments of raind^
his capdouTy virtue^ and humility,
• ClaikS l^cl. Hist. p. 819. f ChortoD*s Life of Nowell, p. 354, S56.
i Baker*s MIS. Collec: toI. i. p. 234. h Ihid. p. SSI .
B KnigbtV Life of Colet, p. 398. <
S/t IiIVES OF THE PURITANS.
*
shone with the greatest splendour.
He was a prudent Master of this College
more than eight years,
being a firm defender of all that was right,
and an avenger of whsLteyer was wrong*
Dr. Whltaker, through the whole of his life, botii is
Sablic and private, discovered great piety and holines.
fe was most patient under insults, and easily lecoiiciled to
those who injured him. He was very bountiful to the poor;
especially to pious and industrious students. He was
idways modest in giving his judgment upon mens* optninls
and actions. Among iiis friends, he was courteous and
pleasant; faithful in keeping secrets; prudent and grave j
and always ready to assist them with counadi or inonejr.
He was of a grave ai^pect, a ruddy complexion, tBLttaaig
constitution, a. solid judgment, a liberal mind, and 'an
afiable disposition; but that which added the greakit
lustre to his character, was his great meekness and hmnifity**
^< He was one of the greatest men his collie ever prodiuMd;
and," says Wood, <^ the desire and love of tne preseBt
times, and the envy of posterity, that cannot bring fortli s
Sarallel."f « The learned Whitaker," savs Leiffh, " was Uis
onour of our schools, and the angel of our church ; than
whom our age saw nothing more memorable. What dear-
ness of judgment, what Sweetness of style, what jgravity of
person, what gra!cefulness of carriage, was in the maB!"
"Who ever saw him without reverence!" said Bnbop
Hall, " or heard him without wonder ?*'t He iria
Myled << the oracle of Cambridge, and the mirade of'fte
world."
It was a maxim with this celebrated divine, ^ Aat
refreshing the memory was a matter of great importaaoeia
every kind of learning, but especially m the most asefid
parts of it. He therefore read over his granunar taA
logic once every year.§ He was the greatest champion in flie
cause of th^ protestants, even by the confession or Gatdinal '
Bellarmine, who, though he had been so often baffled b^
him, procured his picture from England, and preserved it
in his study. When his friends were introduced to him, he
used to point to the picture and say, tibat tibough Whiti^
« Clark*s Eccl. Hist. p. 819, 890.— FoUer's Abel. Red. p. 406.
f Baker*8 MS. Collec. vol. i. p. 213.— Wood*! AtlieiUB, ?ol. i. p. 744.
% Leigh on Religion and Learning, p. 36S» 364;
S Granger's Biog. Hist. toI. I. p. 813. ^
ALVEY. 85
tvas an heretic, << he was the most learned heretic he ever
read."*
Wm Works.— 1. Translation of "Noweirs Catechism into Greek.---
ft. Translation of the English Liturgy into Latin.— 3. Translation of
Bishop Jewers Dispute against Harding into Latin.— 4. Answer to
Sdnrand Campian his Ten Reasons. — 5. A Defence of bis Answer
Maiast John Ihprey. — 6. A Refutation of Nicolas Saunders his
J^QBonstration, whereby he would prove that the Pope is not
Awtkihrist— 7. A Collection thereto added of ancient Heresies
tiked up again to make up the Popish Apostacie. — 8. A Thesis pro-
ifemioa and defended at the Commencement in 1582, that the Pope
is*flM -Antichrist spokeiwof in Scripture.«^9. Answer to William
BMnolds against the Preface to that against Saunders in English. —
W. A l^sputation concerning the Scripture against the Papists of
taese times, especially Bella^rn4ne and Stapletopw — 11. ^ Dcfjpnce of
iSbm Authority of the Scriptures, against Thomas Stapleton his
IMsBoe of the Authority of the Church. — 12. Lectures on the
Csptvovefsios concerning the Bishop of Rome. — 13. Lectures on the
.yoB^innrenie opnceming the Church. — 14. Lectures on the Contro-
nysie oonceming Councils.-^! 5. A Treatise of Original Sin, against
Mqpleton's three former books of Justification. The fbur articles last
'hiSlifiOiied were published after the author's death by John Allenson.
•*4flk"A liOetftfe on the first of Timothy, ii. 4. read on February
Mf )fiM; befinre the Earl of Essex, and other Honourable Persons. —
,^* Leotorcii oonceming the Sacraments in general, and the £u-
dMurist and Baptism in particular. This last was taken down by
Iblli AOensoii, and published by Dr. Samuel Ward.t His '< Works''
were afterwards collected and pnblbhed in Latin, at Croneya, in
4lPO Tobimes folio, in ^6l0.{
. Hbney Alyet, B. D.<^This zealous puritan was a
Journcd divine, and fellow of St. John's college, Cambridge^
.whene lie most probably received his education. He was
tator to the celebrated Mr. Thomas Gataker, junior, and
other excellent divines. During the contention about the
..vinlation of the university, he subscribed to the following
npoteitation, dated February SO, 1587, and found in the
;9'>*bpp of £ly's risgister*office:— ^^ I, Henry Alvey, do
inwtest^ with autiful obedience, that, in respect to the oath
which I have taken to the college, I dare not acknowledge the
jiviwdiction of any but of our appointed visitors : and that
Dj my personal appearing and answering, I do not renounce
that ri^t or benefit that I may have by them ; but that it
may be lawfiUi whensoever just occasion shall be found^
to appeal unto them. Which protestation reserved unto
• Wood'i AthenaB Oxoo. vol. i. p. 303.
-f- Fanfr^i Abel Red. p. 407, 408.
t Wood*! AthcDCB Ozon. ?ol. i. p. 744.
8ft LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
9ie ia all and etery point, I am most ready end
answer."* — The year following, upon the severe ppoQet^
ings against Mr. Francis Johnson, another zealous puritan,
)se united with upwards of sixty others, all learned mitn and
fi^llows of the university, in presenting a supplicalion-to
Chancellor Burleigh, in behalf of this persecuted flervant
of Christ.f
Mr. Alvey united with his brethren' in their endeavottfi
to promote a more pure ecclesiastical discipline ; and when
they were apprehended and carried before their spiritdal
judfges, he was one of those who took tlie oath esp offim^
and discovered the associations. In the year 1595, wfacii
Barret was called to an account for his dangerous sentimmt;,
he was one of the learned divines of St. John's cdlegei
^ho openly declared their disapprobation of his opiDiOttSi
and their dissatisfaction with his pretended recantatioD.|
Towards the close of this year, .complaints were broug^
against him and several others of the fellows, concenniig
their nonconformity. These complaints, or rather slaoder-
bus and false accusations, were laid before Arcbbiahop
Wliitgift; against which, he justified his conduct, luia
vindicated his character, at considerable length.^ Thoiu^
}t does not appear what further troubles he endured, he
probably found it necessary to leave the university ; for he
wais soon after chosen provost of Trinity college, Dublin;
in which office he succeeded the celebrated Sfr, Walter
Travers.ll
/ Mr. Alvi^y is calll^d a Worthy benefactor to SL JdBii's
college, Cambridge. B^ his last will and teslanient, he
gav(*^ out of a house m Jesus-lane, four nobles^ to be
annually paid to a Nottinghamshire scholar, living iiiidel"t
fellow ; and in default of such scholar, the. four nmileB to be
given to the college one year, and to the tenant another,
alternately. He also made some other bequest^ of a sinflai
kind, for the encouragement of learning and the'adviurtq[t
of learned men in the university .i
• Baker*! MS. Coliec. toI. lii. p. 92. + See Art. FrtBcii
1 Baker*! MS. CoUec. vol. ii. p. 97, 88«
4 Ibid. TOl. ili. p. 810—813.
I MS. Chroaolo|7, toI. Hi. A. D. 1656. (78.)
. 1 £aker*i MB, OoUec. vol. ziU. This vol. it not psfcd.
PRIME— ALLEN. 87
r 4oHV Peime, B. D. — He vas born at Oxford, received
jbift'^.gnuniQar learning at Wickham school, and afb^rwards
ie^ferel at Nev CoU^e, Oxford, where he took his de^rers,
kfulwaa chosen fellow of the house. Upofi his entrance
utd the sacred function, he became a zealous and pbpulkr
taeacher in the city of his nativity,, being much favoured
py Dt. Cooper, bishop of Winchester. Afterwards^ he
became vicar of Adderburjr in Oxfordshire, where he was
mnch followed for his edifying way of preaching. The
jPzfoicI historian denominates him a noted puritanical
prefbcher.* He died at Adderbury, in the prime of life,
Apnl IS, 1596, and his remains were intenm in his own
l£iirch.
Us WonKS.-^l. A short Treatise of Sacraments generally, and
ftl.. special of Baptism and of the Supper, 1682.— 2. A IVeatise of
'Matqie and Grace, 1683.-— 3. A Sermon briefly comparing the State
Jot Khui Solomon and his Subjects, together with the condition of
l^oeen JBUcabeth and her People, preached at St. Mark's in Oxon*
NofJ 17, 1685, on 1 Kings x. 9.— 1685. — 4. An Exposition on the
flahrttin% 1687.— 6. The Consolations of David applied to Queen
Wnbetlp, in a Sermon at St. Mary's in Oxon. Not. 17, 1688, on
}f^m vnl 4.--1688.
\ Richard Allev. — He was minister at Ednam in Lin-
bplnshiie^ a good preacher, and much beloved, but greatly
fisufaaBeti for nonconformity. In the year 1583, upon the
publication of Whitgift^s three articles, he was suspended
mm his ministerial exercise, for refusing the imposed sub-
acrii^oh* There were upwards of twenty others, all
mfnisteiB in Lincolnshire, suspended at the same time.
Having received the ecclesiastical censure, they presented a
amplication to the lords of the council, earnestly wishing
to^procuie their favourable tnediation; but, probably,
VlfDout any good effect: the ruling prelates usually re«
dttiiied inflexible. In this supplictition, they express Uiem-
adves as follows :
^' For as much, right honourable, as we whose names are
widerwritteii, whpm the Lord in rich mercy hath placed
over some of his people in Lincolnshire, as pastors lo feed
Ihem with the word of truth, do humbly beseech your
iKNiaurs to r^ard the pitiful and woeful state of our con*
gte^ionB ill those parts ; which being destitute of our
miniitiy, by nieans pf the subscription now generally and
« Wood's Athene Qxoiu vol. 1. p« 847,
id LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
fltricily urged by the bishops, do mourn and lament. Itli
well known to ail your honoois, that an absolute subaciip'
tion is required through the whole province of Canterbury,
to three articles. As to the first and third, relating' to
her majesty's supreme authority and the articles of religioD^
we most willingly offer our subscription, as always herembii
we have done ; but cannot be accepted without an dbscdiite
subscription to the other, to which we dare not condesoeodf^
being all of us unresolved and unsatisfied in our conscience
about many points in the Common Prayer. May it faittHr
please your honours favourably to consider,^that, in refuring
an absolute subscription, we do it not out of arroganey^-IHr
singularity, but because we are in doubts about mvers
weighty matters: and fearing to subscribe as we were
urged, we are all suspended uom exercising the' funotiqii
of the ministry among our people, to the great dami^iif
their souls, and our great injury. Wherefore, being panp
suaded that our cause is the cause of Christ and his chuic^
we humbly beseech your honours, that with favour it mw
be considered. And seeing we cannot be impeached «
false doctrine, nor of contempt of her majesty's laws, an
of refusal to use the book of prayer, nor of breeding con-
tention or sedition in the church, we crave that we may^be '
restored to our flocks ; and that with all peace of con8cieiio&
we may go forwards in the Lord's work,* in our seveai
places. Signed by
" Richard AiiLEN, John Prior,
John Daniel, Charles Bingham,
Thomas Tripler, John SuMMBRscAlaUi '
Mr. Shepherd, Anthony Hunt,
Henry Nelson, ' Reinold Grome^
Matthew Thompson, William MunninO)
Thomas Bradley, John Wintle,
Thomas Fulbeck, Humphrid. Stratbrsji-
Hugh Tuke, Rich. Housworth, .
. Joseph Gibson, Rich. Kellet."*
James Worship,
Though it does not appear bow long Mr. Allai remaihed
under the episcopal censure, he was at length restored to
his ministry,, and was preacher at Louth, in the abovri
county ; but in the year 1596, he was brought into fresh
troubles by Judge Auderson. tiaying sometimes omitted
part of the prayers for the sake of the sermon^ he was
• MS. Register, p. SSI.
F. JOHNSON. 89
indictedl at the assizes, for not reading them all. He was
ofaiiMd to hold up his hand at the bar; when Andersoa
. ■tanding up, addressed him with a most fierce countenance.
The angry judge, after insinuating that he was guilty €f
aoine most grievous crimes, though he mentioned non^
•Aentimes called him knave^ ana rebellious knaves and
ireated him with many other vile reproaches, not allowing
Ifai to speak id his own defence. Under this opprobrious
ll«ilment, Mr. Allen behaved himself with all humility and
aabmisflion ; not rendering railing for railing, but the Con-
tery. Anderson in his charge said, that he would hunt all
fbe puritans out of his circuit.
In Mr. Allen's arraignment, one thing was very re-
markable. During his trial, some point ccMning under
consideration, Vfherein judgment in divinity yras required,
flie good man referred himself to his ordinary, the bishop,
then sitting on the bench ; but the judge, with marvellous
MBnation, interrupted him, sayims:, I am your ordinary
mtdoiihop too^ in this place, and challenged any one to take
liis part. He was, indeed, so enraged against the good
iiuin^ that when Sir George Sampol signifira verv softly to
the judge, that Mr. Allen was an honest man and of a good
noDvenation, his lordship could not help manifesting his
displeasure.* It does not appear what followed this pro-
secution, or whether Mr. Allen was released. We may see^
however, from this instance, as well as many others, that the
puritan ministers were set on a level with the vilest criminals,
to the jpeat disgrace of their office, and the loss of their
leputabon and usefulness.
FftAifcis Johnson. — This celebrated puritan was fellow
of Christ's college, Cambridge, a verjr popular preacher in
the university, and afterwards a leading person among the
Brownists in London. In the year 1588, for a sermon
which he preached in St. Mary's church, Cambridge, which
was saia to contain certain erroneous and aangerous
doctrines, he was convened before the vice-chancellor. Dr.
Nevfl, and the heads of colleges, and committed to prison.
The ' varbus proceedings of these ecclesiastical rulers
engaged the attention of the imiversity for a twelvemonth ;
torn "while some warmly approved of the rigorous measures,
others severdj censured them, as reproachml to si protestant
« Strypc'i Annalii vol. iv. p. 865, S66.
90 LIVES OF "^HE PURITANS.
country. His text was 1 Pet v. 1—^. <^ The elden
"Which are among.you, I exhort, who am also an elder,'^ ftci.
That the reader may have a clear and correct view of th^
whole proceedings, it will be proper to state those erroneous
and dangerous positions, said to be collected from his
sermon, which were the following : — 1. ^^ That the chutch
of God ought to be governed by elders. — 2. That a
particular form of churcli government is prescribed in the
word of God. — 3. I'hat no other form ought to be allowed.
—4. That the neglect to promote this government is one
chief cause of the present ignorance, idolatry, and dis-
obedience.— 5. That we have not this government.— ?
6. That ministers ought. to live upon their own cures. —
7. That.there ought to be an equality among ministers^
which the popish hierarchy, and all who belong to it, do
not like. — 8. That we have an Amaziah among us,, who
forbiddeth Amos to preach at Bethel : they do not ezhprt to
feed the jQock, but hinder tliose who would."*
, Admitting that these articles were impartially collected
from bis sermon, they do not appear to be of any very
dangerous tendency, and, therefore, not deserving of any
rerv severe jpunishment ; but of this every candid reader
will judge tor himself. Mr. Johnson was commanded
to answer them, and declare what he had deliver^ in hii
sermon, upon his oath ; which, because he was unwilling to
ficcuse himself, he absolutely refused. He underweqt
several examinations, and was cast into prison, where he
remained a long time. Mr. Cuthbert Bainbrigg, another
zealous puritan, and prosecuted on a similar accouni, wai
his fellow-prisoner. These two persecuted servants dT
Christ, after suffering a long and painful im])risonment,
laid their, case, at the feet of Lord Burleigh, chancellor
of the university, a particular account of which is given
in another placet
Though Mr. Johnson refused to answer upon his oalh}
lest, as observed above, he should prove his own accuser, he
delivered his answer to each of the articles in writing. /Lb
ihfise articles are now before me, it will be proper to SiVt^yr
the reader with a sight of them. '^ That which I spake
in my sermon," says Mr. Johnson, <^ was the following i
. 1. ^< I proved, by divers reasons, that as the churcJi to
which Peter wrote, and the other churches tbeia fuU^
established, had, for their instruction and govenunenty this
« Baker's MS. CoUec. Yol. yI. p, 196.-^tr7pe's Whitgifly P* 990»tHI»^
t See Art. Cuthbert Bainbrigc.
F. JOHNSON. 91
^iie unifbnn and prescribed order" of teaching and ruliog
elders ; so the same, by the word of Grod, are still necessary
to the right instruction and government of his churches.
. 8. <' The Apostle Paul having spoken of the ordinancei
and officers of the church, as of prophesy and others, he
oancludes^ If any man think himself to be a jorophet^ or
ipiriiualj let him acknowledge that tne things ttiat I write
unAoyou^ are the commanaments of the Lord, Uponthis,
i said) i£ they be the commandments of the Lord, then,
till repealed, we are to hold them.
3. " When further speaking of elders, seeing God hath
fet them, in his church, I asked, Who hath authority to
put them out, and set others in ? For they were appoir^ed,
not only for a few years, but to be continued to the end of
the worvl. This we see in the apostle's charge, 1 Cor. xii.
88, 1 Tim. yi. 13, 14. Also our Saviour gave his commis«
fiok fmd promise io all his faithful ministers, to the end of
^ wprldt Matt, xxviii. \Q^ 20, Acts xiii. 36.
4. ^ When speaking of the necessity of elders, I said, I
diKibt not that the want of them, seeing they are appointed
of; God, is the occasion of ignorance, atheism, idolatry,
{irqfiinatiQn of the sabbath, disobedience to superiors, &c
ail we find too lamentably proved by experience.
5. << I said, it would be objected, that there is not a
snfficient number fit for this office. To which I answered,
that many who are fit, are not employed. And inquiring
where the fault was, I said, it was not in the Lord, who is
most ready to set watchmen upon the walls of his church,
'which is his city ; and to give pastors unto his flock, to feed
it with knowlolge and understanding. Shall we think
that Grod is not able and willing to qualify men for the
ministry of. the gospel, as he was Aholiab and Bezaleel fi>r
the work of tlie tabernacle, and Hiram for the templet
Doubtless he is the same God, able and willing : but the
^ult is in ourselves. If you, indeed, desire tnat sinners
phonld be awakened and arise from the dead, labour by all
peans of petition to God, and supplication to those in
enlhority, that Christ Jesus may be heard in our con*
gtegations.
ol <^ Having proved that elders ought to be with their
mm flocks, and to feed them, I said, that Christ would call
ikol^ elders to give an account In the application, I
.exhorted those who have particular flocks committed to
tliem, and still live in th^ university, tp retire into their
98 . LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
chambers, and examine their hearts before the Lord, and t9
act according as the case required.
7« << I said, that if Peter had possessed snch anthoritr as
the papists ascribe to him, he might have commanded these
elders to do that, which^ as a fellow-elder, he exharU them.
But he was so fiir frcmi thinking himself the chief of the
apostles, that he accounts himself a fellouheUer with the
ordinaiy elders of other congr^ations. Yet the popish
hierarchy accounts otherwise, both of his superiority oyer
the rest of the apostles, and of themselves as bishops of
bishops : but we are to like a godly equality.
8. ^' I shewed, that as it was the duty of all christians, so
also of all the ministers of God's word, to exhort and stir
up one another. And that this practice of the apostle con-
demned those, who are so far from exhorting others ip feed
the flock, that they hinder those who would feed them.*>
His answers, however, gave not the least satLs&etion.
After repeated examination, and remaining a long time ip
jprison, he was enjoined, October 19, 15o9, to make the
following recantation : — << Whereas, January 6th, last post,
^^ I taught that our uniformity and prescribed order by
<< teaching and ruling elders, by the word (^ God, hi
<< necessary for the te^hing and ecclesiastical govennnent
<< of the church of God, and is the commandment of the
^< Lord, and to be kept until the appearing <^ our IxmA
<< Jesus Christ : and seeing God, as the apostle saitb, hatis.
^ set them to be elders in the church, who hath authoritjr
<< to set them out or others in ? I therefore being given 'fo
<< understand, that the said speeches; of mine wane so
^< construed by some, as though I had thereby greatly
^ derogated from her majesty ^s authority in causes ecclesi"
^ astical, do now more |)lainly exjuress my meaning, that I
^^ do not think, that there is set down by the word oiGcd^
<< any stinted and precise form of external government m
*^ the church, which must of necessity be observed in all
<< times and places wit)iout exception : but am persuaded,
<< that, for the better government of particular congregirtioiis,
*^ her majesty may establish such orders, as, by ner godfy
^< wisdom, with the advice of her godly and learned jMrekUtai
<< she shall find most expedient for the state of her couniliTy
*^ according to her majesty's pre-eminence in the draor^
^ established by the laws of the realm, and expreaaed fat
• 8trjpe*t Aooi^ls, toU ill. Appen* p. 8Q1[-«-SiO%
F.JOHNSON. 93
*^ ber most just title, which is most agreeaUe to the word of
f^ Gody and conformable to the example of most anci<?nt
** diurcbesy which have been ruled by christian magistrates.
. ^* And whereas I did affirm the want of elders (being the
^ cwdinary means appointed by God) to be the cause of
^ ignorance, atheism, idolatry, profanation of the sabbath^
<( and disobedience to superiors ; and these words of mine
^ seeined to some, injurious to the present state of the
f^ church and conunonwealth of the land and magistrates
'<^^ of them both, as not having care so to cstabUsh the
^^ government as might root out such ffreat enormities : for
^^ the better explanation of my mina on this subject, I
^ cannot say of my certain knowledge, that these vices are
^more abounding here in our churches than in such
^ churches where elders are at this day placed. And I am
<< of opinion that her majesty, and such as are in authority
^^ndd&t her, have by wholesome laws provided against
*J such evils."*
Ifr. Johnson was required to make the above ridiculous
lecanlaiioQ in the pulpit of St. Mary's church ; and because
lie peiffiopned it ^^ in mincing terms, and did not fully
terolfe his opinions,'' according to the form given him, he
was, October 30th, in the above year, expelled from the
nnivendty : and because he did not depkrt from the place^
bewasy December the 18th, a^in cast intoprison.f By
the recommradation of Burlei^ the chancellor, he made
an appeal to the university against these illegal and cruel
proceedings, and wrote a long and excellent letter to the
chancellor, of which the following is a copy :
^^ To the right honourable the Lord Burleiffh.
'^ I came hither to Cambridce, as I was by your
lotdahip advised, to follow my appesS to the university. 1
.went in a quiet manner to Mr. Vice-chancellor and to Dr.
Bjinfi. to desire that either some law mi^ht be shewed to
cut on my appeal, or else my appeal not hindered, further
ihan was alleged by your lordship ; which I then answered,
I. there hath been no one clause of law shewed me, sufficient
'to.ddtxur me from the benefit of appeal. I requested the
proctor to prosecute my appeal, and to procure delegates to
^bediosen according to the statute, which was all I could
here do. And now not only have I profited nothing:, but
'bring called before Mr. Vice-chancellor and the heads, the
18th of the present month, I was there, (for any thing I
• Biker's MS. Collec. vol. ?K p. 187. + Ibid.
94 . LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
• •
heard,) by the sole authority of the vice-chancellor^ charged
the next day to depart the university, except I would theiifc
desire some longer respite for the ridding away of my stu£
Whereunto I making answer, that I waited for the prosecu-
tion of my appeal made to the university, which depettdin|;'|
I was by law to remain in state as before. I was agam
required to answer whether I would depart the next day, or
ask respite for the removal of my stuff: whereunta t
answering that I was not so minded to let fall my tfppcia^
and was by the vice-chancellor committed to close prison,
without baU or mainprize, until such time as I would yiela
to let fall my appeal, and give over my title to the univeraitr^
and to my fellowship ; where I did continue three days in
the Tolbooth, in a close and cold comer, straitly kept, that
none of my friends might come at me, nor comfort come to
me from them. And now, because of the extremity of the
weather, I am removed to the bailiff of the Tolbooth's
house, with most strait charge, that none at all are suBfeied
to come unto me.
^< Neither doth this most violent dealing only fall upon me.
But I beseech your lordship also to consider, whether Ae
sovereign authority of our gracious queen (whom G9d long
continue among us with much glory) be not impugned, by
making themselves without, nay against law and statute,
supreme judges and governors not to be appealed from; the
honourable protection of your lordship over us trampled
under their feet, by most straitly imprisoning me, for that
which your lordship permitted and advised me to do ; and
the express statute of our whole university by all vipIemS
broken and disannulled, for the maintaining of then" own
indiscreet and unlawful proceedings. And, touching
myself and my cause at this time, I most humbly beseech
your lordship also to consider, what injustice it is to wring
from me by violence and forcible imprisonment, in more
strait manner than is usual to felons, and likfe malefectors,
that which by law I might rightluUy maintain.
^' To God, who judgeth ri^ht, 1 commit my cause, beink
in myself persuaded, and rejoicing, that 1 have receivm
honour to suffer for the truth of the eternal God ; which at
first and now still, they persecute in me the unworthiest
of the servants of God. O, my God ! look down from
heaven : stay the fury of men : strike thy fear into their
hearts, that they may consider their last end.
^^ Now to ^""' "*nlship, I, a poor prisoner, overthrow}!
by Iversaries in a just cause, being put
p. JOHNSON. 95
but of doubt that here I shall find no more justice, the
ptqCtor being checked for dealing in' my appeal, and
thi^tened to be called to his answer, do most instuitly in
God*8 behalf,, and for righteous dealing, beg and beseech
jfou'to take my cause to your lordship's hearing, and to
fiescae me from this grievous imprisoiunent, Which, un-
deservedly, the Lord of heaven knowcth, I sustain. I do
^ppf^l linto your lordship's wisdom, justice and authoritvy
' tti being honourable chancellor of this our university. The
Loid give me favour in the sight of your honour, and th^
Lord move your honour's heart to have compassion on my
i6idamity. Unto his will and wisdom I humbly submit
myself, and my cause, making my humble prayer to
Aunighty God, to endue your lordship with ^odly wisdom
and zeal for his ^lory, both in this and all other causes.
'' Your honour's humble supplicant,
.* " Francis Johnson. .
** Cambrid^, December 22, 1589.^
Two supplications, subscribed by sixty-eight scholars, all
^dlows of the university, were at the. same time presented
to Burleigh^ in behalf of Mr. Johnson and his appeal. In
the krtier, dated December 33, 1589, they observe, that the
{privileges granted by the queen's majesty, and the statutes
of the university, were violently torn from them, by those
'yfbo ought tQ have shewn them a better example ; and then
add, — ^ Mr.- Francis Johnson, a man whose cause and
estate^ bjrreason of his long trouble and other grievances,
.are w^ll known unto your lordship, being prohibited by Mr.
Yice-chancellor and some others from presenting his lawful
appeal to the university, made and intimated to the proctor,
.according to statute, from the sentence of expulsion given
.by the late vice-chancellor; and not finding any means
here to help himself, repaired unto your honour for succour,
.andwasy as we understand, remitted to the university, to
.which .he had appealed. Now since his last return, Mr.
.Tice-chaQcellor that now is, citing him before the head^,
, charged him to depart the university ; but he still challeng-
ing the benefit of his appeal, was by the vice-chancellor
committed to close prison w ithout bail or mainprize. We
doubt hot that your lordship soon perceiveth how unequal it
is that the parties, from whom tlie appeal was made, should
be judges whether the appeal be lawlul or not: as alsohoV
the statute of appeal is utterly made void, if for appealing
• BiUcer*! MS. Collec. toI. W. p. 8S, 86.
Ml tlVES OF THE PURITANS.
the Tice-cbttncellor may commit to prison him that tesMk
not in his sentence. For of the close prison, withoat bafl.
Vft say nothing, leaving it to your loroship^s wisdom, aas
to the laws of the land : we do not deny that our hearts ava
greatly moved with this strange example of extraordinaiy
violence and extremity. Our great grief and distress oi
heart hardly suffereth to make any end of complaining, audi
what to ask of your lordship we well know not ; but we'
beseech the Lord our God to affect your honour's heai^
with a tender compassion of the great affliction of this Ottf
dear brother and faithful servant of God, Mr. Johnson."*
Among those who subscribed the two su{pplication% aip
the names of William Perkins, Thomas Brightman, and
Anthony Wotton, all divines of great celebrity in their day.
Indeed, the most pious and learned men in the univerril^
disapproved of the above ill^al and inhuman proceedingss
and L>r. Goad, provost of King's collqee. Dr. Whitana^
master of St JoWs collie, and Dr. Chadderton, maiMr'
of ESmanuel cdlege, all protested against them.f We ds
Hot find, however, that time supplications and protestatkiif
were at all efiectual. How long Mr. Johnson lemaiBeK
^mder his barbarous confinement, we have not been afak#'
leani ; but, as he fiiilad to obtain redress, be, being weaikl
by the fatigue ot the prison, most probably consented la
leave the university* A divine of his name, and probaU^ '
the subject of this narrative, subscribed the ^ Book m
Discipline."!
The tyrannical and cruel persrcnlion of the porilaM^ '
instead of bringii^ them to conformity, only drove thai
further from the eataUished church. They could not in
conscience comply with such measorvs, nor much kssooali
(Key approve dP a church fighting with such wcaposk
TherdAwe^ at this period, many pionB and learned pesna
w^NN^ driven to a total separation from the ecdrnailirti
e^tabli^nMnt^amongwhom was Mr. Johnson, who csponssi;
(he stnliiuents of the Brownkls^ and joined their lougicgi ^
ihm whieK assembled DnvatelT in and abosrt Londonr'
AUmiI (he y«ar 1593; ttke members of thb congicgationi
haviiiir become rather nuwetons^ fbtmed themselves imia
a chmchi: when Mr. JohnsMn was chosen pnslor br As
snieitMee of (he bnithevWwoNL Mr. John Greenwood, docta
«r lemSMHT^ MewnRk Bansian and Lee^ duscnns and
SlMillly and Kinsslon^ teUms. The whole of this
1 8»Mrf%yiMrtM^^^^».4Ma>
" F.JOHNSON.
waft fMiformed in one day, at the house of Mr. Ebx ia
Nicfaoia^Iane. At the same time, seven persom werer
l^imtiiedy without godfathers or godmothers, Mn Johnson-
only washing their faces with water, and pronouncing tto
fiurm, ^< I ibaptize thee in the name of the FiUher, ftc.
The liord's supper was also administered in the following
QMuuiar: five white loaves being. set upon the table, the
pastor implored the blessing of God ; and after breaking,
the bp^ead, be delivered it to part of the company, and the
deacons to the rest, some standing and others sitting around
the taU^ using the words ol the apostle, 1 Cor. xi. 84^
Taie^ eaiy Sec. In like manner he gave the cup, sayings
Vkis cup is the New Testament^ &c. At the close, they
Ming an hymn, and made a collection for the poor. Afier-
waids, when any one entered into the church, he made this
single protestation or promise, ^' That he would walk witb
flieniy.splong as they walked in the way of the Lord, and as
fiif as might be warranted by the word of God."*
f^bis congregation, of which Mr. Johnson was pastor,
was obliged, in order to avoid the bishops^ officers, to meet in
difiinent places, and sometimes in Xhv dead of the night; but
wps at length discovered on a Lord's day at Islii^ton, in^
the very juooe in which the protestant congregation mi^^rm.
the lei^ of Queen Mary. About fifty-six persons were
taken mto cu^ody, and sent, two by two, to the different
piisons about Lonidon, where several of their friends had*
been confined a considerable time. Upon their examina*
tion^ they acknowledged that they had met in the fields, in>
the summer season, by five o'clock on a Lord's day morning,,
and ia winter in private houses ; that they continued all the
day in prayer and expounding the scriptures, dined
togirther, and afterwards made coUection for their food, and
SG^ the remainder of the money to their brethren in prison ;
ai|d that they did not use the Lord's prayer, apprehending
that our Saviour did not intend it to be used as a form, after-
th&piaring out of the Spirit on the day of Pentecostf Alsp,
dming their imprisonment, their adversaries having charged'
them with holding many extravagant opinions concerning
baptism, marriage, lay-preaching, and other particulars,
Aey yiiidicated themselves in a very solid and judicious-
jhr, shewing how fiir they were falsdy accused.^
Chough it does not appear whether Mr. Johnson was
appfdiended and cast into prison at the same time withtht*
"*
• 8trvpe*i Anoals, vol. it. p. 175. ^ Ibid. vol. UL p. 57S.
{ MS. RepMer, p. S60--SS6.
VOL. II. K
96 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
congregation; yet, during the present year, both h^ ttnd
Mr. Jonn Greenwood, were seized by Archbieiiop Whitgift's
parsuiyants, without warrant, at a certain citizen's house in
Ludgate-hill ; and in the midst of the night, after the pur-
suivants had searched all the chests, boxes, and mier
private places in the house, they were carried to the
Compter, and the next day Whitgift and the other high
commissioners committed them to close prison.*
Mr. Johnson underwent many examinations before his
ecclesiastical inquisitors ; and though he absolutely refused
the oath ex officio^ he confessed, April 5, 1393, " That he
was first taken in an assembly in St. Nicholas^lane, and
committed to the Compter in Wood-street; that afterwards
lie was apprehended in Mr. Boys's house," (as mentioned
above,) '^ and committed to prison by the Archbishop (^Can-
terbury and others ; and that he had been twice examined
before the Lord Chief Justice and Lord Anderacm;"
Being asked how long he had held the opinions of the
Brownists, he said, he conld not definitely answer, but
signified that he had been committed to prison four yean
bSbre, for a sermon delivered in St. Mary's churdi,
Cambridge.' He confessed, that he had baptized divns
(Children in the congregation ; but, as to marriage, he did
not account it an ecclesiastical service, or at all beloDgiag
to the ministerial function. He observed, that it was not
indispensably requisite to use the very words of the Loid'»
prayer; and that the Lord's supper was not to be confined
to any particular time, but might be received at any time of
the day or night, when the congregation is assembled and
prepared for it. R^ing required to shew in what places
Uiey had assembled, Jie refused to answer ; and being asked •
whether he possessed or.had possessed any of Barrow's,
Greenwood's, or Penry%^ books, be also desired to be excused
making any reply. WJien he was asked whether he had
not persuaded others to tihe assembly of the coogregatioa of
which he was pastor, and how many he had so peisoa^ted;
he said, he had done, and must do, that whieh God,
according to his holy wohl, required of him ; but refiiaisd
any further answer. And toeing asked whciber he woiild
rdbrm himself, and attend vipon the service of the paiidi
church, he raised to give i\ direct answer ; but said, he
could not join in the ecclesiastical ministry and stale of
archbishops, bishops, parsonsTy vicars, &c. &c.f
« Strype** Annals, yoI. i? . p. 9C. -^ Baker*i MS. Collec. vol. zv.p. SMi>
F.JOHNSON. ;99
' ' Mr. Johnson, having lain in close confinement fourteen
months, wrote a letter to Lord Treasurer Burleigh, entreating
his OMnpassionatc influence to procure for him and his
fUIow-prisoneis, a friendly conference, that their real
sentiments might be known, and that all impartial men
might judge whether they deserved such hard treatment.
In this letter, he observes, ^' That his brother George had
been confined eleven months in the Clink.* And," says he,
*' when our poor old father applied to Justice Youn^, for us
to have the liberty of the prison, he and the Dean of
.Westminster, would have sent him to prison, had not
Justice Barnes interposed and prevented them. — We are
not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. We suj9er these
■things only for refusuig to have communion with the
antichristiau prelacy; and for labouring, in a holy and
peaceable manner, to obey the Lord Jesus Christ in his
ministry and worship, as prescribed in his last Testament,
and sealed with his own precious blood. If we err in these
things, prisons and the gallows are no fit means to convince
and persuade our consciences : but rather a quiet and godly
iXHimence, or a discussion of the matter by writing, before
•equal and impartial judges. This we have often sued for,
but could never yet obtain. We now, therefore, in a
humble manner, solicit your lordsliip to procure this for us.
Not that we doubt the truth of our cause. We are fully
persuaded of this from the word of God, and are ready,
by the grace of Grod, to seal it with our own blood. But
we desire it, that the truth being discovered and made
manifest, the false offices, callings, livings, and possessions of
the prelacy, might be converted to her majesty's use, as
'were not long since the livings of the abbots, monks, and
fiiais in these dominions; and that by these means the
gospel of Christ may have free course, and the peace of
Uie church be promoted/' In the conclusion, he subscribes
liilnself) ^^ pastor of that poor distressed church, and still
m close prisoner tor the gospel of Jesus Christ."f
-* Indosed in this letter, Mr. Johnson sent a paper to the
r, signifying, that, for his writings, he was in no
• Mr: Gmfe JohMoa* mcaber of Uie Brownitt congregMioD, lats
' ' ia 8L MicholM l>ng, Loe^oa, born t Richmond in Yorkshire,
~ 'April t» 1SS8, before tbe bigb conmisiioo, when he
~ IB teko the ooth. Hebadatthat
■at bad already nnderKone
iaa aad olben.— JSaifctr'f
»l«r
100 LIVES or THB PURITANS.
dan^r of the statate of 35 Elic. «< To retun the queen's
tobjectsin their due obedience/' In this paper, he pro»
fessedly acquits himself on the following grouixlB :
1. He had onlj inquired of the prelates and niiiustef%
whether her majesty, with the consent of parliament, migiit
not abolish the present prelacy and ministry of the chitfcl^
and transfer their revenues and possessions to her own civil
uses, as her father, Henry YIII., did with abbots, moaks^
and others, and their liyings.
S. His writings are only in defence of such doctrines af
Christ as are against the canonical function of the popc^
and were profb^ed by the holy martyrs of Christ, acconuited
lellardy and heresy : as, for instance, John Wickliffe held,
that archbishops, bishops, archdeacons, officials, deans, ftc
were disciples of anticnrist*
3. If the statute of 35 Eiii. be against mich writings aad
books as reprove the ecclesiastical ministry and government
of archbishops, bishops, archdeacons, deans, ftc. then the
writing and the printing of the confessions of the refbniied
t^urches of Helvetia, Tigur, Geneva, &c. wherein tb^
write, that archprelates, metropiditans, ardipriests, deaos^
snbdeans, and others of the same kind, pass not a rusk
And the confessions of the reformed French and Belgick
churches say, that the church ou^ht to be governed b^
pastors, elders, and deacons, as Chnst hath appointed*
. 4. In his writings, he hath jHXived his assertions by the
.word of God, which her majesty protesteth and defeadeth;
and they are written in defence of the liberty and privilqfe
of the church of Christ, which the great charter of England
granteth and preserveth inviolable.
5. If all who forsake the communion <^ the estabUdwd
ehurch, be in danger of this statute ; then any one fonakiag
the church, and joining the French, Dutch, or ItaUaa
churches, allowed by her majesty in London, Norwidi^
or Sandwich, would also incur the penalty of tUi
statute.
6. He never maliciously persuaded any to abstain fioai
the church, much less to deny, withstana, or impogahar
majesty's authoritv.
7. He never did, obstinatel v, and without lawfal calMr
but upon conscience, groundbJ upon the word of God,
and approved by the confessions of the rdformed diucclKa,
and the faithful servants and martyrs of Christ, rd^aat^lj^
hear, and have contmutiion with the miaistQr. ^.yhfijfr^^jfr
as now established* ". "
F.JOHNSON. lOl
» & He, haTing been a close prisoner a long time before
tiie said statute was made^ cannot be lawfully convicted 9£
haying broken it/'*
r. Tine reasons, however, prevailed not Whether the
ticaturer made any use of them, we are not able io learn.
But Mr. Johnson was brought to trial ; and though his
crime was merely that of writing against the established
clrarch and the oppressions of the prelates, and was com*
niitted even some time. before the statute was made^ he was
found guilty by the said statute, and condemned to
perpetual banishment from his country. Messrs. Barrow,
'Greenwood, Penry, and some others, having suffered
death on account of their firm attachment to their religious
sentiments. Archbishop Whitgift and the other ruling
prdates, who were the chief promoters of these barbarous
proocedings, became, at length, ashamed of hanging men
for propagating their religious principles, and contrived
this engine to have the Brownists and other puritans swept
out of the land. This act, therefore, condemned them to
iNuiislunent without discrimination ; and the gaols were soon
(deared of them. Yet the overbearing, tyrannical prelates
icofc care to have them filled again in the following year.f
Mr. Jcdmscm being condemned to sufier perpetual banish-
ineuty tetired to Amsterdam, many of his mends accom-
iwnying him* There he formed a churoh after the model
of the orownists, having the learned Mr. Henry Ainsworth
^ its doctor or teacher. The grand principle on which
Ihis church was founded, may be expressed in Mr. Johnson's
mm. words. ^< The church," says he, ^^ pught not to be
fommed by popish canons, courts, classis, customes, or any
uman in ventions,but by the laws and rules which Christ hath
appointed in his Testament.''^ ^' Every particular church,
HVith its pastors, stands immediatoly under Christ, the arch*
pastor, without any other ecclesiastical powar intervening ;
whether it be of prelates, synods, or any other invented hy
inaa."§ In 1598, Mr. Johnson and Mr. Ainsworth drew up
m mijfession of their faith in Latin, which they dedicated
to the universities of St. Andriews, Leyden, Heidelbery,
Geneva, an4 the other universities of Scotland, Holland,
Germany, and France. It was afterwards translated into
^£nfflish, and doe^ not differ much in doctrine from the
V Hannony oi Confessions."!
.'. * 9lrypft*t Annab, yol. if. p. 1S7, 138.
-f AiMWorth'i GpooterpoysoDy p. 40. t 1^S*^'8 Chnrch Go?, p. fill,
% W^W Wtmmahe^ p. 8ft, | Ufe mf AimwpMi, p. 18.
lOf LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Although Mr. Johnson was a learned and religious man,
he was rigid in his principles ;• and his people cntertaming'
discordant sentiments, it was not long before they split into
parties. That which first occasioned this dissention was
Mr. Johnson's marriage to a widow of competent fortuhe,
whom his brother George Johnson and his father thought
an improper match in those times of persecution. George
Johnson represents her as addicted to luxurious living,
excess of finery in dress, and a lover of ease. Frequent
' disputes, therefore, took place from 1594, the tinue of
marriage, till about 1598, when George Johnson, his father^
and some other members who adhered to them, were cut off
from the church, chiefly on account of their behaviour in
this affair. The greater part, among whom was Mr;
Ainsworth,f took part with Francis the pastor. Much
reproach has, by various, writers, been cast upon them on
account of this censure.^ Tlie excommunication of a
brother and an aged father, appears an harsh and unnatural
proceeding : however, the grounds, circumstai^ces, and ends
of it, should be examined before we condemn what was
done. Most probably the censure was by the suffrage of
the church, and appeared to a majority of its members, to
be according to the will of God^ and, therefore, they
preferred the will of God, more than any natural affection^
and regarded the spiritual welfare of those whom they cast
out, more than any temporal ease or advantage. Mr.
Johnson says, ^^ Those whom we have cast out, it hath been
partly for revolting from the truth, to the corruptions of
other .churches, and partly for other sins."^ And Mx.
Ainsworth says, <^ That George Johnson and his fiither
were cast out for Iving, slandering and contention.")
Mr. Neal conrounds this unhappy controversy with
another which happened many years afterwards, Detweioa
Mr. Johnson and Mr. Ainsworth, about matters of dis^
cipline.i Mr. Johnson placed the government rf the
church in the eldership alone; Ainsuforth in the ivhole
church, of which the elders are a part. The event, accord"
• Bishop Han charges him with saying, ** That the ministry and
worship 'of the church of England were tal^en out of the whore'f cap.
He styles onr church, the daughter of Babylon, the mother of whoredoni
and abominations ; and says, that the constitution, worship, and gofem-
ment, are directly antichristian." — Jpohgie agaitut Srownhtit p. 7^
Edit. 1614.
f See Art. Ainsworth. j: Bailie's Dissuasive, p. 15. S Ibid. p. Sf.
B Life of Ainsworth, p. 30.
t Neal*8 Hist, of JPoritaos, vol. ii. p. 44, 4ft. .
F. JOH^SSON. IDS^
ing to the opuiion ^{ some,* was, that Jolinson excom-
mamcatecl Ainsworlh and his part of the church, and that
^insworth returned the compliment upon the (mposite
party : butT for the latter charge there appears no founda-
tiqii.f On the contrary, Mr. John Cotton, who was no
BiDwnist, but was contemporary with Atnsworth and
Johnson, and lived among those who had been concerned
in this affair, observes, ^^ That Mr. Ainsworth and his
company did not excommuuicafe Mr. Johnson and his
party, but withdrew, when they could no longer live
peaceably together.''^ Ainsworth and those who adhered
to him, held a separate assemblyat Amsterdam, and the two
congregations were afterwards distinguished as Johnsonian
and 'Ainsworthian Brownisfs.^ But Mr. Johnson and his
friends, at length, removed to Embden, where he afterwards
died, and his congregation dissolved.
In the year 1599, there was a lons^ controversy carried on
in print, between Mr. Johnson and Mr. Henry Jacob, con-
cerning certain tenets of the Brownists. The same year the
whole was collected and published at Middleburgh, by Mr.
Johnson, consisting of ninety-one quarto pa^es, entitled,^^ A
Defence of the Churches and Ministry of England, against
the reniODS and objections of Maister Francis Johnson, and
otheiB of the separation commonly called Brownists. In
two Treatises. Published especially for the benefit of those
in these parts of the Low Countries." In one of these
treatises is a recapitulation of all the chief objections raised
6y the Brownists against the churcb of Kngland ; from
which we may gather a much more complete account of
their, tenets and doctrines, than from any thing else ever
published ; and it is truly authentic, because it was written
•by one of the leaders of the Brownists. It is called,
<* Antichristian Abominations yet retained in England,'* and
enumerates the following particulars :
<< The contusion of all sorts of people in the body of
• Bailie^s Dissiasiiae, p. 15.
+ Life of Ainsworth, p. Si, S3.
?'CottoD*s Congregational Chnrcbes, p. 6.
The Johnsonian Broiruists commenced a suit, it is said, afj^inst the
Alnsworthians, for the meeting-house granted to the Brownists at Amstec-
dam. The Jolinson ians pleaded that it belonged to them, l>eing che ancioit
Brownists, to whom it was originally given : but the Alnsworthians, on
the contrary, pleaded it was theirs, seeing they were the true Brownists,
Mdii^ the ancient faith of that church, from which the Johnsonians are
Mid to have apostatized. How far this account is correct, or how this
Alspete was ended, we are not able to learn. *-<Pa|f«<*f Htrcnogrmjfkjij
10* LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
their (the Englkb) church ; even the moBt polluted, and
iced, beiMg members thereof. — Their ministratioQ of tlie
word) sacraments, and government of th<* church, by ririmfi
of antichrist ian officers. — The titles of primate, metrc^Kiii-
ian, lords, grace, lordship. Sec ascribed to the prelates.-^
The interior prelates swearing obediaice to the metropolitical
sees of Canterbury and York. — The inferior ministei^
when they enter into the ministry, promising obedience
to the prelati^, and their ordinances ; and when they aie
inducted to beneiic( s, confirming with an oath. — ^Tlie
deacon's and priest's prt sentation to a lord bishop, by ma
archdeacon. — Their receiving orders of the prelates, <Mr
. their suflfragans. — Their pontifical, or book of consecrating
bishops, and of ordering priests and deacons, taken out of
the pope's pontifical, where their abuse of scripture to that
end, their collects, epistles, &c. may be seen. — Their mak-
ing, and being made, priests, with blasphemy ; the prelates
saying to those whom they make priests, Receive ye the
Holy Ghosl^ whose sins ye forgioe^ they areforgrveny fte.
—T'neir confounding of civil and ecclesiastical offices wA
authorities in ecclesiastical persons. — Thiir retaining and
using in their public worship the apocryphal books, whidi
hav^' in f h«*m divers errors, untruths, blasphemies, and' con-
tradictions to canonical scriptures. — Their stinted prayefi
and litur^, taken out of the pope's mass-book, with the
same order of psalms, lessons, collects, pater-nosten^
episdts, gospels, versicles, responds, &c. — The cross in
mptism. — ^The hallowed font, and questions to the infimli
in baptii<m. — The godfathers and godmothers pronoisim
that the child doth believe, forsake the devil and all ins
works, &c — Women's baptizing ot children ; which maiib
taineth that heresy, that the children are damned which die
unbaptized. — Their howseling the sick, and ministerial;
the communion to one alone. The ministering it, not with
the words of Christ '^ institution, but with others takes
out of the pope's portuis. — They sell that sacrament for
two-pence to all ccHuors. — The receiving of it kneeUD|^
which maketh it an idol, and nourishem that heresy, of
receiving their Maker, of worshipping it, &c. — Their ring
in marriage, making it a sacramental sign, and marriage ah
ecclesiastical action ; thereby nourishing the popish heieqr,
that matrimony is a sacrament. — ^Their praying over tte
dead, making it als6 a part of the minister's duty, and
nourishing &e heresy of prayer for the dead. — ^Their
churching or purifying of women, then also abusvig t|u^
F.JOHNSON. Ids
■ ^Bcnptasej T%e sun shall noi bum them bjfdm/^ uorthtmom
by tttgM^r^Thm Gang-week,* and then praying over the
eon 'and grass. — ^Their forbidding of marriage in Gang^
week, m Advent, in Lent, and on allthe £mber-day8 ; wbldi
&» apostle calleth a doctrine of demts^ 1 Tim. iv. 1 — S.-**
. Their saints, angek and apostles' days, with their prescripit
terrioe.— -Their fasts, and abstaining from flesb, on their
. eves,, on Fridnys, Saturdays, Eimber-<&ys, and all tkedays of
LenL-^Their dispensations from the prelates' courts of
fiicuUieB to eat flesh at these times. — Their dispensations to
waxTj in these times forlndden. — Licenses from the same
- anthority to marry in places exempt. — Dispensations also
. from tbace for boys and ignorant fools to have benefices.-—
Dispensations also for nonresidents. — For haying two^ three.
' four, or more benefices. — Tolerations. — ^P^tronages of, and
IHfesenlBtions to, benefices, with buying and selling ad-
Towsons. — Their institution into benefices by the prelates^
their inductions, proxies, &c. — Their suspensions, absoln*
tioiis, degradations, deprivations, &c. — The prelates,
ciianoellorB, omunissioiiers' courts, having power to exocHU-
. jBunicalealone, and to absolve. — Their penance in a white
dieet.— -Their commutation of penance, and absolving one
man for another. — The prelate's confirmation, or bishopping
of ^^Blldito, to assure them of Grod's favour, by a sign di
man^s devising. — The standing at the gospel. — The puttii^
off the cap, and making a leg, when the word Jesus is reao.
— ^The ring of peals at burials. — ^Bead-men at burials, and
hired fluoomers in mourning apparel. — The hanging and
mouniing of churches and hearses with black at burials.—
Their absolving the dead, dying excommunicate, before
they can have, as they say, Christian burial. — The idol
templeB.— -The popish vestments, as rocket, horned cap,
ti}met, the surpUce, and the cope. — The visitations of the
kurd^bishops and archdeacons. — ^The prelates' lordly do-
,BiiiiioD, revenues, and retinue. — The priests' maintenance
* Gung-week, or rogatioo-week, was that particular season of the
3fflir, in which, according to popish cnitom, was observed ** the perambn-
•MUioB of the circuits of parishes.'* Queen Elizabeth retained the same
pnctkes and eiyoined, *> That the people should once a year, at the
** accnstoned time, with the minister and substantial men of the parish,
*^* walk roand the parish as usual, and at their return to church make the
**lBoawMHi prayers; provided that the minister, at certain convenient
** placet, ihaU admonish the people to give thanks to God for the increase
'* aod aboDdance of the fruits of the earth, repeating the 103d Psalm % at
** which time also the minister shall inculcate this and such like sentences,
'* GKTMtf H A« UM rem«ostA Ait n^ighbowrU /miil-iiiariir. "--Sparrow's
Gellecti^t ?• '73.
106 LIVES X>F THE PURITANS. .
hy tithes, Christmas offerings, &c. — The oaths es qi
in their ecclesiastical courts, making men swear to accuse
themselves.' — The churchwarden's oath to present to the
prelates all the offences, faults, and defaults, committed in
their parishes against their articles and injunctions.— ^Tbe
prelates ruling the church by the pope's cursed canon law.
— Finally, their imprisonuig and banishing such as |f-
nounce and refuse to witness these abominations aforesaid,
and the rest yet retained among them.''*
As our author very justly observes, they might well find
fiiult with the church in the. article last mentioned, since
they had smarted so severely under it. The foregoing
particulars contain the general principles of the Brownists,
or their chief reasons for a total separation from the
established church, and are undoubtedly the most conipleie
and correct account of their opinions, that was ever
published. We forbear making any comments, but leave
the whole to the reader's own judgment. • •
His Works.— 1. Certayne Reasons and Arguments, proving that it
Is not lawful to hear, or have any spiritual Communion with, the
present Ministry of the Church of England, 1601. This is perhapi
the same as that of which an abstract is given above. — 2, An Answer
to Whitens Discoverie of Brownism, 1606.-^3. A Christian Plea,
1617. — 4. A Tract on Matt xviii. — He also published some other
pieces on the controversies of the times.
William Cole, D.D. — This learned divine was most
probably educated in Corpus Christi college^ Oxford,
where he took his doctor's degree. Upon the commence-
ment of Queen Mary's bloody persecution, he fled from the
storm, and retired to Frankfort. He was there involved
in the trouUes among the £nglish exiles ; and the firrt
settlers being excluded from the privileges of the place^ by
the officiousness of Dr. Cox and his party, he retired, with
several of his brethren, to Zurich.+ He went aflerwatdsto
Geneva, where he was highly esteemed by his fellow-exiles.
He united wth the venerable Miles Coverdale and other
learned divines, in publishing the Geneva translation of the
Bible.J Upon his return from exile, he sat in the convoca^
tion of 1562, and subscribed the articles of religioa.S He
was in high favour with Queen Elizabeth, who^ on acconnt
• Biog. Britan.vol. ii.p. 618, 619. Edit. 1778.
f Troables at Frankeford, p. 13.
-f Wood's Athene Oxon. vol. i. p. 153.^See Art. CoTerdalCw
^ Strype*! AnnalSy vol. i. p. 329.
>■
COLE-J. HOLLAND. 107
of bis great celebrity, preferred him, in 1568, to the
presidentship of Corpus Christi college, Oxford,* in
which ijiSiCe he continued at least thirty years. A divine
of the same name, and very probably the same p('rson,'wa9
cast into prison for nonconrormity. Though it does not
appear how long he remained under confinement ; yet,
upon the earnest intercession of friends, a letter from the
court at Greenwich, dated April 4, 1574, was addressed to
the Archbishop of Canterbury, signifying, that, in consider-
ation of his great years, her majesty was willing for him to
be released from his present confinement : but that he should
remain within twenty or thirty miles of London, in some
honest person's house, as his lordship should think most
conYenient ; and should obtain sureties, that he would not
henceforth meddle, by teaching or otherwise^ in matters of
religion.^ In the year 1599, he exchanged this preferment
with Dr. John Rainolds, for the deanery of Lincoln ; but
died at an "advanced age, in the year 16004 Mr. Strype
denominates him a sober and religious nonconformist ; and
observes, that being chosen chaplain to the Earl of
Leicester or some other great courtier, he attended at court
in his hai and short cloak, and endeavoured to overthrow all
attempts to enjoin the clerical habits.§
John Holland was a minister of great piety, and
apparently one of the old puritans. But we have very
htUe account of him till the time of his death, which being
rather peculiar, we cannot withhold it from the reader's
consideration.
The day before he died, having called for the Bible, he
1, << Come, O come ; death approaches. Let us gather
soitte flowers to comfort this hour." And having tunied to
R<Hn. yiii. he gave me the book, says Mr. Leigh, (who
preached his funeral sermon,) and bade me read. At the
end of every verse he required me to pause, when4ie gave
the sense of the passage, to his own comfort and to the
great wonder and joy of his friends. Having continued
his meditations on the above chapter, above two hours, he
suddenly cried out : — " O, stay your reading. What
brightness is this 1 see ? Have you lighted any candles ?^*
To which Mr. Leigh answered, " No ; it is the sunshine ;
9V
* Strype's Parker, p. 266. + Baker^s MS. Conec. toI. ixi. p. 364.
(Wood's Athene Oxon. vol. i. p. 289, 736.
StrypVs Fbrker, p. 213, 219, 266.
108 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
being about five o'clock on a clear snmm^'s evaung^
^ Sunshine," said he, " nay, my Saviour's shine. Nwr
ferewell, world : welcom^ heaven. The Day-star from ds
liigfa hath visited my heait. O speak when I am gane^ a)nd
J reach at my funeral, God detueth famUiarh wUh m«fk
feel his mercy ; I see his majesty ; and whether in the
body, or out of the body, I cannot tell : God knoweth.
But I see things that are unutterable." In these tranqporti
of joy, his spirit soared towards heaven ; but afierwaidt
riirinking down, he sighed and said, ^^ Ah ! it will not be
yet. My sins keep me back from my God." The nekt
morning, he closed his eyes in death, using these exptt^
sions: — <^ O what a happy change shall I make! from
^ death to life ! from sorrow to solace ! from a faciioiis
<< world to a heavenly state ! O, my dear brethren, sisleiiy
^ and friends, it pitieth me to leave you behind. Yet
^ remember my death when I am gone ; and what I now
^ feel, I hope you will find before you die, that God dodi
<< and will deal familiarly with men. And now, thou fiery
f < chariot, that earnest down to fetch vcp Elijah, carry meki
^ my happy home. And ail ye blessed angds, wb6
*< attended the soul of Lazarus to bring it to heaven, bear
^ me, O bear me, into the bosom of my best beloived*
" Amen^ amen. Come^ Lord Jesus ; come quickly. ^^ He
died about the year ICOO.*
Henry Smith, A. M. — This zealous and eloquent diving
was born at Withcock in Leicestershire, in the year 1550^
and educat<'d in Lincoln college, Oxford ; where hebecame
well furnished with useful learning. He was descended
from a wealthy and honourable family, was possessed of a
plentiful estate, and was heir to a large patrimony. But he
resolved to employ his talents to the utmost of hi^ power,
by labouring for the glory of God and the conversion of
souls, in the work of the ministry ; and therefore he left
the rich patrimony to a younger brother, f Upon hit
removal from Oxford, he pursued his studies under the ctut
tjf Mr. Greenham, whose principles aiid piety he appeared
lafterwards to have imbibed. When the Lord Treasurer
Burleigh applied to Mr. Greenham for a testimonial of Mr.
%iith's character, this excellent divine observed, << tibat ht
.• Ambrose's Worku, p. 800. Edit. 1701.
• -f This younger brother was Sir Roger SBlth of fidmondthorp !■
Leicestenhire, wlio died about the rcrtonittea. .
SMITH. lot
was veil versed in the holy scriptures, religious and devout
in his character, moderate and sober in his opinions, discreet
and t^Qperate in his behaviour, industrious in his studies
and punuits, and of a humble spirit and upright hearty
joined with a fervent zeal for the glory of God and tha
vdfiBune of jk>u1s."*
Though Mr. Smith was eminently qualified for the sacred
fitnclio% he was dissatisfied with the subscription imposed
upon ministers, and the lawfulness of certain ceremonies^
lie was loath to make a rent, either in the church or in his
own* conscience. But, during this perplexity, he resolved
not (o undertake any pastoral charge, but to content himself
with a lecturer's situation. Accordingly, in the year 1587^
he became lecturer at St. Clement Danes, near Temple-bar^
London. He was chosen to this public situation by the
parishioners, and by the favour of the Lord Treasurer, who
lived in the parish, and assisted in raising the contribution
lor his support* Here he set himself to do the work of the
Lord fiiithtully. He was greatly beloved, and his ministry
htfhly admired by his numerous hearers. But the year
fi&minftj complaint being made to Bishop Aylmer, that he
had Bprnexk in his sermon some words derogatory to the
Conunon Prayer, and that he had not subscribed to
Whitffifk's three articles, his grace suspended him from
preaching. The reasons all^^ by the bishop, with Mr.
Smith's answers, were the following :
L ^< That he was chosen by a popular election ; that is,
by the minister and congregation, without his lordship's
lioense."
^< I was recommended to the parish by certain godly
ministers," says Mr. Smith, ^' who had heard me preach iu
other places in this city, and thereupon accepted by the.
parish, and entertained with a stipend raised by voluntary
<KHitribution* In which sort they had heretofore entertained
athfln, without any such question or exception. And his
kidship calling me to preach at Paul's cross, never moved
any such question to me. Nevertheless, if any enr(» have
beon committed by me or the parish, through ignorance,
•or joint desire is to have his lordship's good allowance and
approbation, for the said exercise of my function in his
-loraship's diooese."
. . 8. ^ That he hath preached against the Book of Common
Prayer-**
no LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
'^ How^cr his lordship may have been infoimed aganist
me," observes Mr. Smith, ^^ I never used a speech in any
cf my sermcMis, against the Book of Comnum Prayer;
whereof the parish doih bear me witness in this my suppli-
cation to vonr lordship." . . i *,.
S. '^ That he hath not yielded his subscription to certain
articles which bis lordship required at his hands." * .
" Concerning the third," says he, " I rehise not to
subscribe to any articles, which the law of the realm dodi
require of men in my calling ; acknowledging, with all
humbleness and loyalty, her majesty's sovereignty in all
causes, and over all persons, within her higlineiB's
dominions; and yielding my full* consent to all ^articles
of faith and doctrine, taught and ratified in this cbnrdi,
according to a statute in that behalf provided, the Idth
year of her majesty's reign. And therefore I beseiech 'hit
lordship, not to urge upon me any other subscription than
the law of God and the laws positive of this realm tk
require."*
' The above charges, with the answers subjoined, Mr.
Smith presented to the treasurer, accompanied with a
supplication to his lordship, humbly requesting his fiavonr
and influence at this painful juncture. This ^eat statesman
had the highest respect for him ; and, as Mr. Smith ivas
not long deprived of his lecture, he most probably espoased
his cause, applied to the bishop, and procured his restoratioii.
It is, indeed, observed, " that the lord treasurer looked
very favourably upon Mr. Smith ; and that he was often H^
screen to save him from scorching, by interposing hu
greatness betwixt him and the anger of certain epii^opBl
officers."+
In' the year 1589, upon the death of Mr. Harewood, the
incumbent of Clement Danes, the churchwardens and
parishioners petitioned the treasurer to bestow the living
upon our pious divine. In their petition, they, observe^
^^ that by his excellent preaching, his exemplary life, and
his sound doctrine, more good had been done among thefii,
than by any other who bad gone before, or, as they feared,
Vi^uld follow him.":( But Mr. Smith, for tiie reasons already
mentioned, was most probably unwilling to accept the be^
neift, if it was offered him. He does not'appear ever to have
enjoyed any greater preferment than that of his lecturerfiip^
i
* Strype's Aylmer, p. 155, 156.
+ Fuller's JLife of Mr. Smith prefixed to htljemioof.
i Strype's Aylmer; p. 167 i
t)Ei\t. Ill
m
Mr* Smitli >vas a preacher uncommonly followed by
rsoDS of piety, especially those of the puritanical party,
e. was generally esteemed the first preacher in the nation ;
and) on account of his prodigious memory, and his fluent^
eloquent, and practical way of preaching, he was looked
upon ae the ve;^ miracle and wonder of the age.* It may
be truly said ot him^ that he was a man peaceable in Israel.
F<Hr though he scrupled conformity himself, and utterly
disapproved the imposition of it on others; still he could
liye on terms of intimacy with those from whom he dis-
■en^jed. His fame was so great^ that he was usually called
ihe sUver^iongued preacher, as if he was second even to
Chrysostom. His church was so crowded with hearers, that
peiBons of quality, as well as others, were frequently obliged
to stand in the aisles; and his wonderful dexterity in
preaching was such, tlrnt, by his solid reasons, he fastened
oonviction upon the judgments of his auditory ; by his apt
similitudes, upon their fancies; by his orderly method, upon
their memories; and by his close applications, upon their
consGiences.f He died apparently of a cx)nsumption, about
the year 1600, aged fifty years. Mr. Smith was author of
finaay Sermons and Treatises, published at various times.
They- passed through many editions, and some of them
were cairried abroad and translated into Latin. His ser-
mons were so universally admired, that they were for many
yesurs used as a family book in all parts of the kingdom.
They aie so solid, says Fuller, that the learned may partly
admire them ; yet so plain, that the unlearned may per-
fectly understand, them.t His ^< Sermons, with other his
learned Treatises," and his Life by Fuller, were collected
and published in one volume quarto, in 1675.
Arthur Dent was the learned and pious minister of
South Soubery in Essex, but persecuted by Bishop Aylitier
for nonconformity. About the year 1584, he endured
many troubles from this prelate, for refusing to wear the
lurplice, and omitting the sign of the cross in baptism.^ He
afterwaitls united with his brethren, the persecuted ministers
of Essex, in presenting a petition to the lords of the
council,' in which, say they, " We ^ have received the
• Wood*i Athens Oxon. toI. i. p. SSI.— Nichols's Hist, of Leicester-
tbire, vol. ii. p. 390.
t Life of Mr. Smith. f. Church History, b. ix. p. 142.
h MS. Rcf iiter, p. 741.
lis LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
charge to instruct and teach our people in the way of life;
and eyeiy one of us hearing this sounded from the God of
heaven, fVoe be unto me, if I preach fid the gaspdj we havt
all endeavoured to discharge our duties, and to apiHroye am^
selves both to God and man. Notwithstanding thia, we ara
in ffreat heaviness, and some of us akeady put to silence,
and the rest living in fear; not that we have beoi, or cao
be char^ed^ we hope, with false doctrine, or slanderous Itfb :
but because we refuse to subscribe that there is nothiiig
contaii^ed in the Book of Common Prayer contrary to tto
word o£ God. We do protest in the sight of God, wdio
•earcbeth all hearts, that we do not refuse from a desire to
dissent, ^ from any sinister affisction; but in the fen of
God, and firom the necessity of conscience." A ciicun^
stantial account cf this petition, signed by tvoenij^ievm
ministers, is given in another place.*
BCr. Dent was author of a work, entitled <^ The Raioe
of Rome ; or, an Eamosition of Revelation ;" in the dedica*
tion of which, Mr. Ezekiel Culverwell gives the foUowing
account of the author :-^<^ To give some public testimony of
my love towards him, and reverence of the rare grace
which we all, who enjoyed his sweet society, did oqd-
tinually behold in him, whose learning his labours do
shew ; and whose diligence, yea extreme and unwearied
pains in his ministry, publicly, privately, at home and
abroad, for at least four and twenty years, all our couatiy
can testify. AU which being adorned with such specidt
humility, do make his name the greater, and our km the
more grievous. I may not leave out this, which I avow t0
be as certain as it is singular, that,, besides all othen hii
great labours, he had a special care of all the churchenji
night and dav, by study and fervent prayer, procuring the
prosperity of Zion, and the ruin of Rome. And to end
with his blessed end: his life was not more profitable t9
others than his death was peaceable to himself; scarcdly A
groan was heard, though his fever must needs have beat
violent which dispatchra him in three days. Having mafjb a
pithy confession of his fiiith, ^ this faith,' said he, ^ have I
pr( ached ; this faith have I believed in ; this faith I do die
in ; and this faith would I have sealed with my blood, if
God had so thought good ; and tell my brethren sp.* Ho
aflterwards said, ' I have fought a good fight, I have finished
«ny course, I have kept the faith ; hencdoith them ia
• See Art. Geoii^e Gifford.
CHARRE. lis
vpJbr me the crown of righteousness;' and with his last
hieath added^ < I have seen an end of all perfection, but
ttyr law is exceeding broad.' ^ He died most probably
aome time after the year 1600.
WiLiiiAM Charke was fellow of Peter-house, Gam*
brid^.in 1578, where, most probably, he received his
education; Cambridge, at this time, was a nest of puritans ;
but Dr. Whitgift, wiSi the other heads of colleges, laboured
to ezpd the growing faction, as it was called. Many of
the students and fisUows were disaffected to the ceremooiet
and. discipline of the church, among whom was Mr. Charke*
He did not, therefore, remain lon^ imobserved ; for the
heads of colleges, of whom Whitgift was chief, presently
brought complaints against him to Lord Burleigb, chan*
oellorof the university. .
Mr. Charke, in his sermon at St. Mary's, December S,
1572^ asserted, 1. ^^ That the states of bishops, archbishops,
metropolitans, and popes, were introduced into the church
by Satan.-^Ajid, S. That the ministers of the church ought
not to be superior one to another." For divulging these
senthnents, n6 was the very next day cited bdbre Drs.
Whilgifl, Pern, Howford, Kelk, and Bying, the vice-chan-
odkir ; before whom he acknowledged the delivery of the
two propositions, the former directly,, the latter implicitly.
He wag brought before them a second time, in Februaiy
fiiUowing, and was often admonished and commanded to
rewke. his errors publicly at St Mary's, on a Lord's day,
which he absolutely refused : only he acknowledged that
there ought to be some superiority among ministers, in
matters of jurisdiction. Upon which, the vice-chancellor,
with the consent of the heads, pronounced sentence upon
him of exclusion from the college, and banishment irom
the university. He was, therefore, excluded and expelled
fiovn the place.* Whether his punishment was not greater
tiuax the crime with which he was charged, is left with the
candid reader to ddermine.
Mr. Charke, upon his departure from Cambridge, appealed
firem the judgment of the vice-chancellor and heads, to
Bpjrleigh, the chancellor. This he did, says Mr. Strype,
in, a well-penned epistle, written in a good Latin style,
iic|dring, by his lordship's means, to be again restored to his
• Strypt'i Whttfift, p. 43, 44.
TOL. II. I
11* LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
college^ promiring to ccmduct himself quietly and petuf^
ably. In this letter, he said, << That he deiiied not himself
to be one, who, being led by argument taken from scripr
ture, and the example of fprei^ churches^ thought. some^
thing to be wanting, whereby our church, lately rescued
from darkness, might come nearer the original pattern.
That when he was aware how his opinion might prove
dangerous to be divulged among the unskilful multitude^
because it appeared something new to the common peopliB^
and was different from the ordinances, he kept to himMf
tJbe knowledge of the truths and had ever studioudy
avoided the promulgation of it in his sermons ; but that in
a private senate, and in the Latin tongue, he thought he
might use greater liberty. He had^ therefore, in a veiy
learned and wise assembly, explained' his opini<m move
freely in those matters-. And that, by so doing, he had
ignorantly fallen into the crime of violating a law ; and so
,was cited to appear in judgment. And that his judges had
forbidden him not otdy uie use of water and me, hf
which men live ; but the use of learning too, by wMcu
.they live weU. He, therefore, humbly appealed to his
equity and goodness, as the only hope he had left of
recovering his place ; praying him to write to the univer^
sity for his restoration; and that hereafter he might be
wholly rejected, if he violated the peace either of the
church, the state, or the university."*
The chancellor, knowing him to be a good achdar,
and that he was treated with tyrannical severity , .upon
receiving this humble and peaceable supplication, Bude
intercession for him, by addressing the following letter to
the vice-chancellor and heads of houses :f
<< After my very hearty commendations*
" Whereas you have expelled William Chailiie, h^
fellow of Peter-house, for some speeches used in a sermon
which he lately had ad clerum^ tending to the ^
turbing the^ quietness and peace of the churdi, and
manifestly contrary to the orders taken for the maint^ance
of the same peace. For as much as the said Charke hatM
been with me, and partly wisely extenuating his faulty and
partly very honestly acknowledging that he committed lb
same by overmuch vehemency of spirit, and promiahjg
faithfully never hereafter to deal in inis or the like agani
that may be offensive, hath shewed soine good pait% aAc^
♦ Strype'8 Whitgift, p. 43, 44.
•\ Baker*8 MS. CoUec. toI. xxil. p. aT3e . .
CHARKE. 115
tioii,aiid good gifts to be in him, the which, in mine
opinion, it vf^re great charity and good wisdom, by gentle
usage and persuasion, to reduce to be profitable in the
church, rather than by too suddenly cutting him off from
ihe course of his studies, utterly to lose. These are
Jieartily to pray you, the rather for my sake, and for proof
.of him hereafter, to receive him again into the university
juod his fellowship within the college, upon his like promise
made to you not to meddle hereafter in such kind of
jdodrines. Wherein, if you shew some indulgence for this
time, and rather suppress the memory of his said speech
pud doctrine^ for it was delivered in the Latin tongue, and
not popularly taught, in my judgment you shall do well ;
and so praying you to do, I bid you hearty farewell.
From my house^ Feb. 90, 1573.
" Your loving friend,
" William BanLEiGH.'*
This intercession, however, was to no purpose. It does
■ot appear that Mr. Charke was ever restored to his fel-
lowahqp. He was, about the same time, one of the super-
added members of the presbytery at Wandsworth in
Sonejr** In the year 1580, we find him employed, with
odior Jearned men, in a omference with Campian, the
[bmaa^ perish priest. He was engaged in the fourth day's
dispute, when the subjects of discussion were, — 1. ^^ Whether
the scriptares contain sufiicient doctrine for salvation. And^
SL \¥btkba faith alone justifieth." These conferences were
odlected and published, by the c<Mi8ent of both
Upon Mr. Gharke's banishment from the university, he
coontenanced and entertained by several of the nobi-
litjTy and patroniied by persons of learning and real worth.
He was domestic chaplain first to Lord Cheiny, then to
Ae Dncheas of Somerset, at Chelsea, and was with her when
died. In the year 15S1, he was chosen constant
to the society of Lincoln's-inn. But, to succeed
in their choice, the society applied to the
of LoBdoo, for his approbation smd allowance.
bsalhoii, knowing Mr. Charke's great abilities, and that
eminently qualified for a situation of so much
Ij did not refuse; bat signified that applio
first made to the lords of the council, for
Thb was accordingly done, and the lords
'i XSS. p. 3».— F«»cr'9 Choreh Wm. b. is. p. lOK.
Ito^t Aaaaliy f«L ii. p. «|6.
116 UVES CfF THE PURITANS.
• ■
signified their fiill approbation ; so that he was cIuMfea and
a£nitted.* He afterwards united with his brethren ib
subscribing the " Book of Discipline."+
In the above respectable situation, Mr. Charke, by the
favour of his learned .patrons, was protected some yesrv
from the tyrannical oppressions of the times ; and thoudi a
zealous nonconformist, he enjoyed his lectiue at LincohiV
inn till the year 1593. The period at length arrived- whfs
they could no longer screen him from the fory c^ tlie
E relates; for in that year, it appears, he was liknoeji
y Archbishop Whitgift.| Notwithstanding the treaAfQcat
he met with, be was greatly admired and commended^- evoi
by rigid conformists, on account of his distinguished lem^
ing and great moderation. After his suspension, pleaoiK
his cause befoj'e the archbishop, that he ccmducted himsdT
peaceably, &c. his grace replied, ^' This is not enough. If
is not sufficient, that you do not preach against the b^bops:
you do not preach /or thera."^ .1
Mr. Strype denominates him a man of eminent ^pot^
and a chief leader among the puritans.) Dr. ifoffA
styles him a person of great learning and gpdliness.f Tir
Oxford historian, speaking of the various books of Hoo^t%
« Ecclesiastical Polity,*' obsenres, *< That the three bobfa^
(meaning the three last,) which Hooker completed befere-lni
death, were, with the consent . of his unlucky widiMT;
seized upon in his study^soon after his decease, by.WjIliaiB
Charke, a noted puritan, and another minister thivt UyisK
near Canterbury; who, making the silly woman bcjUeve
that they were writings not fit to be. seen, did either ham
them in the place, or carry them away."** Admitting tlui»
statement to be correct, the whole, it seems, was doM'by
the permission of that sitfy womany the unlitckv wUmj
and if Mr. Charke and his companion persuadecl hat^ tlutt
the papers were notJU to be seen^ all this might be perfecdJF
just and true. But our histqrian^s. sole authority is fUb
letter of Dr. Kin^, bishop of Chichester, dated Npvemto
13, 1664, above sixty years after the event; and he w
made considerable additions to it. ft Mr* Chaifce inb
* Strype's Annak, toI. Hi. p. 55, 56.
f Neal's Paritaos, vol. i. p. 423.
t MS. Chronology, vol. i. p. 3)3. (4.)
^ Minifter's Reasons agaiost Subscrip. part ii. p. 173. £dit.lfi08L
B Sfrjpe*s Wbitgift, p. 4S.~Annals, vol. ii. p. 533.
H Churton> Life of Nowell, p. 278, note.
* * Wood's Atbenae Oxon. vol. i. p. gfiS.
f f King's Letter, prefiied to the Life of Hooker, j^it. rSSS*
OARRELL. IIT
liiring towards the close of the year 1600 ; but when he died
we &ye not been able to learn. He published several
piebes.against the papists*
John Darrell, A. B.^^He was minister at Nottingham^
biA a person in some respects of rery peculiar sentiments*
PEb belieyed, that by fasting and prayer evil spirits might
hie cast out ik persons possessed. Dr. Heylin, defaming his
DQemary, saprs, thatiie set up the trade of lecturing at Not-
tnigbam, without any lawful calling; and, to advance his
mmtation, pretended to cast out devils.* Mr. Strype, also,
mdi a desiffn \xi reproach the puritans as a body, observes,
(bat when ue open practices of the puritans for setting up
Ebm discipline did not prevail, some of their ministers
had recourse to a more secret method, by' doing something
which looked little less than miraculous. They pretendec^
tgr fai^ng and prayer, to cast out devils; by which the
hcdtilade became so amazed, and were led so to venerate
fheoa^ that they were the more readily inclined io submit to
fbeir opinions and ways. This was a practice borrowed
Gpom toe papists, to make their priests revered, and to
eonfina the laity in their superstitions.f From these base
DMinuations, we might be led to suppose, that some plot of
poj^^iderable magnitude was laid by the puritans, to
DOQittre the ignorant multitude into a belief of their dis*
^pune^ and the practice of nonconformity: but all this
fBpour and smoke at once vanishes, and we only hear of
Qie principles and practice of a solitary individual, in
eminexion with two or three others of less note, but of
pmilar sentiments.
- -What we have to say is not intended as a defence of Mr.
Danreirs peculiarities. He appears to have been a weak,
llid zealous and honest man ; and, therefore, undeserving of
fbe^^ruel usage which he received from Archbishop \Vhit-
gifi and others. But because he was a puritan, and a
■offerer for nonconformity, it will be proper t^ give au
impartial statement of facts.
The learned historian observes, that, in the year 1586,
Mr« Darrell professed to cast a devil out of one Katharine
Wright, a young woman about seventeen years of age,
living in Derbyshire. But tlie evil spirit afterwards re.-
luniing into her^ he cast out eight other devils, with which
• HejUn's Hilt, of Prcs. p. 348. f Stripe's Whitgift, p. 492.
il8 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
she pretended to have been possessed. Also, he wrote W
account of these thmgs at some length, and communicated!
copies of his performance to persons of distinction ; and/
among others, to the excellent and pious Lady Bowes:
^' hoping hereby," says our author, " to obtain applause^
and to accomplish other ends."* There is not, howen^,
the least shadow of evidence, that Mr. Darrell sought after
any human applause. This does not appear to. haY)e.
formed any part of his character, or at all to have entered
into his designs. And what other ends he meant to jaccom-
Slish, we arc left to conjecture. If the historian here
esigned to iiisinuate, that he intended to promote puri-.
tanisiti, and overthrow the church of England, it may be.
confidently affirmed, that his prospects were not the mcMt
jBattering.
In the year 1596, Mr. Darrell pretended to cast oirf
many more devils. Among the persons who were on thia
account indebted to his piety, was one Thomas Darling, ^
boy about fourteen years of age, at Burton-upon-TrenL.
This occasioned a person ot the town to publish. an
account of it, entitled " The Book of the Dispossession ol(
the Bdy of Burton ." Thiis greatly increased his populanty ';
and caused his fame to spread so much abroad, that he
was sent for into Lancashire, and there cast out inany other
devils. Afterwards, upon his return to Nottingham, tone
of the ministers of the town, and several of its inhabitants,^
urged him to visit one William Somers, a boy who was so
deeply afflicted with convulsive agonies, that they were,
thought to be preternatural. When Mr. Darrell bad seen
the boy, he concluded, with others, that he was certainly
possessed, and, accordingly, reconunended his friends io
obtain the help of godly and learned ministers, with the
view of promoting his recovery, but excused himself from
being concerned ; lest, as he observed, if the devil shoiiild
be dispossessed, the common people should attribute toliini
some special gift of casting out devils. At length, .how-
ever, by the urgent solicitation of the mayor of Nottingham,
he complied; and having agreed with Mr. Aldridge.and
two other ministers, together with about one hundred and
fifty christian friends, they set dpart a day of fasting and
prayer, to entreat the Lord to cast out Satan, and itelivec
the young man from his present torments. Having con**
tinued in their devotions for some time,' the Lord is said to
• Strype*s Annals, vdl. iii» p. ASS,
DAKRELL. 119
lMCTe'':l)eeii entreated, and to haye'cait ont Satan, for
which thejr blessed his holy name, Xbis was in the year
lfi97.»
In a few days after this event,, the mayor and several of
the aldermen began to snspect that Somers was an impostor ;
and, to make him confess, they took him from his parents,
and committed him to prison ; where, by the threatenings of
his keqier, he was led to acknowledge, that he had dis«
aembled and counterfeited what he had done. Upon this
confessicMi, being carried before a commission appointed
to examine him, he at first owned himself to be a qounterf
felt, then presently denied it; but being so exceedingly
firi^tened, he fell into fits before the commissipners, which
put an end tp his eicamination. After some time, being
still kept in custody, and further pressed by his keeper, he
returned to his confessing, charging Mr. Darrell with having
trained him up in the art for several years. Mr. DarreU
vras then summoned to appear before the commissioners,
when sufficient witnesses were produced to prove that
Somers had declared, in a most solemn m^mner, that he had
not dissembled; upon which he was dismissed, and the
commission was dissolved.
This affiiir becoming the subject of much conversation
in the country, Mr. Darrell, in 1598, was cited before
Archbishop Whitgift, and other high commissioners, at
Lambeth. Upon his appearance, after a long examination,
he was deprived of his ministry, and committed close
prisoner to the Gatehouse, where he continued many
J earn. Mr, Greor^e Moore, another puritan minister, for
is connesdon witn him, was, at the same time, committed
close priscmer to the Clink. The crime with which Mr.
Darrell was charged, and for which he received the heavy
sen^ce^ wa^ '' his having been accessary to a vile im*
po8ture."f
. Indeed, Bishop Maddox highly commends the conduct
of these ecclesiastical judges, in this unchristian censure.
* Dr. He^rUq, contemptuously speal^ing of S|r. DarreU's pretensions,
obeenreSf ^ that whenever the conformable ministers visited these demo-
-BiacB* and used the form of prayer according to the established liturgy,
tl|e devil was as quiet as a lamb, there being nothing in those prayers to
dlstorb his peace. But when Mr. Darrell and his nonconformist brethren
afiproachea, who used to faU upon him with whole volleys of raw and
andigested prayers of their own devising, then were the wicked spirits
extremely troubled and perplexed ; so that the puritans, lest the papists
should io any thing have the start of them, had also a kind of holy tooftr,
with which to frighten away the devil,''— /f^j/aVs MiictU Tracts^ p. 156.
f Strype's Whitgift, p. 492—494.
190 IJVES OF THE PORITANS.
^' Any one," says he, " who considers the state of HbB
town of Nottingham, will applaud the proceedings of the
high commission." Then, in the words of Mr. Strype, he
fives an account of the state of the town, as if Mr. Dandl
ad prompted the people to quarrel one with another ; or,
as if his deprivation and severe imprisonment were lijcely
to allay the diflference. " By this time," says he, <^ it came
to pass, that the people of Nottingham were become violent
against one another, and the whole town divided as tbgr
stood affected. The pulpits rang of nothing but devib and
witches ; and men, women, and children, were so affri^led^
that they durst not stir out in the night ; nor so mucii as a
servant, almost, go into his master's cellar about his busiflen^
without company. Few happened to be sick, or ill at ease^
but strait they were deemed to be possessed. It was hkh
time," adds the leanied prelate, ^' to put a stop to w
practice of dispossessing, whether the authors were knuves^
or eiithusiasts, or both.'^ And couki neither the JEtishop of
Worcester, nor yet the high conunissioners at Lambeth^
think of a more equitable method of punishing the con*
tentious inhabitants of Nottingham, than by indlicting^ td
heavy a sentence upon Mr. Darrell ? But Mr. Danell was
H puritan ; therefore, right or wrong, he must needs be
punished.
Somers and Darling were also brought before the high
^mmission. During their examinations, though the fonner
returned to his accusation of Mr. Darrell, declaring that
he himself had, in what he had done, been guilty m dis-
simulation, the latter stood firm ; and, notwimstanduig flio
entreaties, threatenings, and fair promises of the archbiahq^
and others, he could not be prevailed upon to accusie him^
but maintained to the last, that the evil spirit had been cast
out of him. It does not appear, however, tiiat either* of
them were cast into prison. +
The prosecution of Mr. Darrell led to a new controvmy,
whei^ Mr. Harsnet, chaplain to Bishop Bancroft, and
afterwards Archbishop of York, published a work, entitled,
" A Discovery of the fraudulent practices of John Dandl,
Batchelor of Arts, in his proceedings concerninjr the pre*
tended possession and dispossession of William Somers of
Nottingham : of Thomas Darling, the boy of Burton at
Galdwall : and of Katherii\e Wright at Mansfield and
Whittington : and of his dealings with one Maiy Couper
• YhidicBtioD of the Chovcb, p. 360. , '
f Clark's Lives annexed to Marty rdogie, p. 32»
DARRELL. 121
at Nottingham, detecting in some sort the deceitiul tfade in
then latter days of casting out devils," 1599. This
Indilbed Mr. Darrell to publiA a reply, entitled, <<A
Detiection of that sinful, shamful, lying, and ridiculoi'is
Discours, of Samuel Harshnet.* Entituled : A Discoverie
of the fraudulent practices of John Darrell. Wherein is
manifestly and apparently shewed in the eyes of the world.
Not only the unlikelihoode, but the flate impossibilitie of the
pretended counterfayting of William Somers, Thomas Darl-
ing, Kath. Wright, and Mary Couper, together with other 7
in Lancashire, and the supposed teaching of tbem by the
saide John Darrell," 1600. The same year, Mr. Darrell also
published, ^^ A true Narration of the strange and greyous
Vexation by the Devil, of 7 Persons in Lancashire, and
William Somers of iVotfingham. Wherein (he doctrine of
FdssessicMi and Dispossession of Demoniakes out of the word
of God is particularly applied unto Somers, and the rest of
the piersbns controyertea : together with the use we are to
make of these workes of God." Mr. Greorge Moore, his
intimate friend, and fellow-sufferer in the same cause, likewise
published a reply to Harsnet, entitled, " A true Discourse
concerning the certaine Possession and Dispossession of 7
persons in one familie in Lancashire, which also may serve
as jpart of an Answere to a fayned and false Discoverie
which speaketh very much evill, as well of this, as of the
rest of those great and mightie workes of God, which be of
the like excellent nature," 1600 a
Mr. Darrell, upon his imprisonment, published another
work paiticnlarly in his own defence, entitled, ^' The Trial
of Joan Darrell, or a Collection of Defences against
Alligations not yet suffered to receive convenient Answer,
tencung to clear him from the Imputation of teaching
Somers and others to counterfeit Possession of Devils," 1599.
Also, whQe he was in prison, he published '' An Apology
or Defence of the Possession of William Somers, &c.
Wherein this work of God is cleared from the evil name of
counterfeiting. And thereupon also it is shewn, that in
these days men may be possessed with devils; and tliat
being so, by prayer and fasting the unclean spirit may be
cast out'* At the close of this work, Mr. Darrell made the
* Hunet waff one of the principal perwcaton of Mr. DarreU, and wai
advaaced to the bishopric of Norwich, ah the jnst r«*ward of this meritorioas
service. Bat oar antbor, by mistake, calls Mr. Daireli st popish prieit. —
BUomJUid't Hist, of Norfolk^ toI. li. p. 40S.
i Bio^. Britaa. toI. i?. p. 8M7. I:;dit, 1747.
ttd LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
following protestation : — << If what I am accused of be
true, even that I have been accessary to a vile impostune/
with a design to impose on mankind, let me be registered to
my perpetual infamy, not only for a notorious deoeiyeri
but such an hypocrite as never trod cm the earth befoie,.
Yea, Lord ! for to Thee I direct my speech, who knoweth
all things, if I have confederated morp or less, with Soimei%
Darling, or any others ; if ever I set my eye upon them
before they were possessed, then let me not only be made a
laughing-stock, and a by -word to all men, but raze my
name ako out of the book of life, and let me have mj^
portion with hypocrites."* »
While Mr. Darrell was suffering in close prison in the
Gatehouse, the productions of his pen were spread through
the kingdom. His books found their way to the two
universities, particularly Cambridge, where many of them
were purchased by the learned coUegians. This priesently
roused the attention of the ecclesiastical governors ; when
the bookseller' was convened before Dr. Jegon, the vice-
chancellor, as will appear from the following letter, addressed
<< To the right Rev* Father in God, the Lord Bishop <^
London :"+
" Right reverend, my very good lord, my duty mosi
humbly premised. May it please you to be advertised,
that certain books of Darrell's, in two volumes, the one
^^ A Detection of the shameful, lying Discoverie," &c. tlie
other " A true Narration of the strange Vexation," &ci
have been sold underhand, by a taylor, since Christmas
last, to the number of sixty books, as the party before me
hath confessed. To whom he hath sold them in partiddar,
he will not confess : whereupon I have bound nim here,
with surety, to be forth coming untiM know your lordship's
pleasure, thinking it my duty io signify the same, knowing
that Darrell hath been censured for a dissembler, ana
supposing that such books come not out with allowaace
and privilege* The examination I send here inclosed.
" Jegon, Vice-chancellor of the
" University of Cambridge/'
What further prosecution the poor man underwent, or
when Mr. Darrell was released from his cruel imprisoninenl^
it is very difficult to ascertain.
• Strype*8 Whitgiflt, p. 495. + Baker*8 MS. CoUec. toI. xzTii,<^. 11.-
GOODMAN. 123
" CH&iSTOPfttiR Goodman, B. D. — This distinguished
{nufitan was born in the city of Chester, about the year
IS 19, and educated in Brazen-nose college, Oxford. After
taking' his d^rees in Arts, he was constituted one of the
acnior students of Christ's Church, then newly founded by
H«ify VIII. Towards the close of the reign of King
Edward, he was admitted to the reading of the sentences,
and chosen divinity lecturer in the university. But upon
the accession of Queen Mary, and the return of popery
and . bloody persecution, he withdrew from the storm, and
went into exile. He retired, with many of his brethren, to
Frankfort, and was deeply involved in the troubles of that
place, occasioned chiefly by the officious interference of Dr.
Cox and his party. Here, when it was proposed to make
choice of officers for the church, Mr. Goodman gave it as
his opinion, " That they ought first to agree to some godly
drder for the church ; and, in agreeing to this order, to
obtain the consent of the congre^tion, whereby it might
appear that they contemned not the rest of their brethren r
and further, to proceed to the election, which he thought,
dso, ought not to be attempted without the consent of the
whole church." In neither of these proposals, however,
did Mr. Goodman succeed. For it was replied, that they
should have no other order than the English Book of
CcMnmon Prayer ; and Dr. Cox had assembled the ministers,
at his lodgings, to make choice of a bishop and other
officers.* Upon the separation at Frankfort, Mr. Goodman
went to Geneva, where he and Mr. John Knox, the famous
Scotch reformer, were chosen pastors of the English church,
and there remained till the death of Queen Mary. While
at Geneva, he assisted Mr. Knox in composing ^' The
Book of Common Order," which was to be used as a
directory of worship in the protestant congregations.+
Upon receiving the news of the queen's death, Mr. Goodman
and his brethren at Geneva, wrote a most affectionate,
healing letter to their fellow-exiles at Frankfort. This
letter, with the answer, is still preserved.J
It will be proper here to observe, that during Mr.
Gopdman*s exile, and some time before the queen's death,
a report came to them that she was dead. The rumour
occasioned him to write to Mr. Bartlet Green, a lawyer, a
pious professor of the gospel, and his former acquaintance
* Troobl«8 at Frankeford, p. 39, 40.
-f Scott's Lives of Reformers, p. 250. Edit, 1810.
t Troablet at Franl^eford, p. 100—163.
124 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
at Oxford, inquiring whether the report was true. Hii
worthy friend replied, The queen is not ytX dead. The
letter, however, being intercepted, Mr. Green was appifw
hended^ committed to the Tower, and, after lying a loii;
time in prison, condemned and committed to the flames,
under the cruel severities of Bonner, bishop of London.*
While our divine remained at Geneva, he took an activt
part, with several of his learned brethren, in writing and
publishing the Geneva translation of the Bible.f
On the accession of Queen Elizabeth^ Mr. Groodma%
after finishing. the Translation, returned from exile, but did
not immediajtely come to England. He went to Scotland ;
and, for several years, was actively employed in promoting
the reformation, and preaching the gospel, in that oountiy.
in the year 1560, having preached for some time at AjTr, the
committee of parliament, wjio nominated the ministers for
the principal towns in Scotland, appointed him to be
minister at St. Andrews, where it was thought expediqit
that the officiating minister should be a man of established
leputation.t KSovX the same time, he was onployed in a
public disputation at Edinburgh, betwixt the papists and
Erotestants. Those on the side of the papists were.Dr^
lesley, Dr. Anderson, Mr. Mirton, a^d Mr. Stracouin ; who
disputed with Mr. Knox, Mr. Willock, and Mr. Uoodman.
The points of disputation were, ^^ The holy eiicharist and
the sacrifice of the altar." In the conclusion, thdugh the
papists gave it out, that the protestants were com^etdy
Imffled, and declined the contest in future, the nobilitVy
who attended the dispute, were certainly of another iliina.i
As minister of St.. Andrews, Mr. Goodman was present
in the assembly, December 20, 1560, with the assistant
elders, David Spens and Robert Kynpont, who accompanied
him. In 156S, he and Mr. John Uow, minister of Perth,
were appointed to assist John Erskine of Dun, in the
visitation of the sheriffdoms of Aberdeen and Banff. And
in 1563, he argued in opposition tp Mr. Secretary Lething*
ton, that tlie tithes ought to be appropriated to ihe cleigy,
Lethington was on this occasion much chagrined; and un-
generously said, that it was not fit that a stranger should
meddle with the affairs of a foreign commonwealth. Mr«
doodman calmly, but firmly, replied, ^< My lord secietary,
* Fox's Martyrs, vol. iii. p. 523 — ^526.— Srrype's Cranmer, p. 3T0«
+ See Art. Coverdalc.
X HiRt. of Chorch of Scotland, p. 853. Edit. 1644.
S CoHier's £ccl. Hiit. yol. ii. p. 476.
> 600DMAK. 129
thoiu^ in Tcmr pdicy I be a fstran^r, yet I am not so in
the jDik of Goa ; and, therefore, the care thereof apper**
tainoCh no less to me in Scotland, than if I were in the midst
of England*''*
In toe year 1564, he was appointed to preacb for the
space of a month, at Edinburgh, in the absence of Mr.
John Craig, one of the ministers of that city, who had been
oommissicned to visit some of the southern parts of the
kingdom. Also, the assembly, June 25, 1565, laid many
appointments upon him, some of which be did not fulfil ;
for, before the assembly again met, December 25th, in the
same year, be had left the kingdom ; which is thus noticed
in the church-register : — ><^ Conmiissioners from St. Andrews
appeared, who requested that Mr. John Knox should be
transplanted, and placed at St. Andrews. The assembly
lefnsed their request, and desired them to choose a minister
out of their own university, in the room of Mr. Christopher
Croodman, who had lately departed into England. "f
Dr. Heylin, with his wonted peevishness and slander,
says, ^ it cannot be denied, tliat Goodman, Gilbyi
Whittingham, and the rest of the Genevean conventicle,
wete very much grieved, at their return from exile, that
they cxrald not bear the like sway here as Calvin and B^za
did ai Geneva. They not only repined and were envious
at the lefonnation of the 'English church, because not fitted
to tfadr fiuicies, and Calvin's platform ; but laboured to sow
those seeds of heterodoxy and disobedience, which brought
forth those troubles and disorders that afterwards followed. "(
So much reproach, misrepresentation and falsehood, is
sddoin found within so small a compass. •
About the year 1568, our celebrated divine became
chaphun to Sir Henry Sidlney, in his expedition against the
nhdB in Ireland, and shewed his great diligence and faith-
iidneaB in that service.^ And in 1571, he was cited before
Archbishc^ Parker, and other high conmiissioners, at
Lambeth. He published a book, during his exile under
Queen Mary, entitled, << How Superior R>wers ought to be
obeyed of their Subjects, and wherein they may be lawfully,
by God's Word, obeyed and resisted : Wherein a}so is
dieclared the Cause of all the present Misery in England,
and how the same may be remedied,'* 1558. In this work,
he spoke with some freedom against the government of
women, but especially the severe proceedings of Queen
• Scou'f Uweg of RcfoBBCTt, p. 251 . ^ Ibid . p . 252.
X Hejlia't Hiit. of Pres. p. 25. < Troablcs at Fnokeford, p. ISS.
126 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Maij. From this book, the archbishop, after iso "saaaif:
years, collected certain dangerous and seditious arttcles^-a^'
they are called ; and required Mr. Goodman to revoke hiif
opinions.* Though he refused for some time, yet^ befoie
his release could be procured, he was obliged to. subscribe
ihe following recantation :
<< For as much as the extremity of the time, wheiein I
did write my book, brought forth alteration of leligion,
setting up of idolatry, banishment of good m«i, muidering
of saints, and violation of all promises made to the godly;
I was, upon consideration of present grief, moved to wnte
many things therein, which may be, and are, offenshrdijr
taken, and which also I do mislike, and wish ihey had not
been written. And notwithstanding the book, by me so
written, I do protest and confess, ^ That good and godly
women may lawfully govern whole realms and nations; ana
do, from the bottom of my heart, allow the queen's majesty's
most lawful government, and daily pray for the long
continuance of the same. Neither did I ever mean to aflbm,
that any person or persons, of their own authority, ^ught
or miffht lawfully, have punished Queen Mary with derai.
Nor that the people, of their own authority, may lawfidly
punish their magistrates, transgressing the Lord's pieceptft
Nor that ordinarily God is the head of the people^ and
giveth the sword into their hands, though they seek Hnt
accomplishment of his laws.' Wherefore, as many <tf these
assertions as may be rightly collected out of my said book,
them I do utterly renounce and revoke, as none of mine;
promising never to write, teach, nor preach, any such
offensive doctrine. Humbly desiring, thatit may please yoor
lordships to ^ve me your good and favourable allowanoei;
whereby I shall, by God's grace, endeavour to labour ii
furthering the true service of God, and obedience to hs
majesty, to the utmost of my power, during my whole lift;
to the satisfaction of all good men, and to the contentment
of her majesty and your good lordships.
<< ClIRISTOPHEE GrOODlf Alf.''f '
^^ This is a lame recantation," says one of our kaned
historians. ^^ For Goodman founds the queen's title upoii
her moral J and not upon her ctt»7 qualifications. Chd^
women," he says, " may lawfully govern. By this dodxinti^
where there is no virtue, there can be no claim to authority ;
and when their godliness is at an end, their govomment murt
•.Strype'i Parker, p, S2&, 336. f Slrype'i. Annals« v«K I. p. ISO.
GooDMAif. lar
lie BO too : this is fouiding dominicm on grace. And when'
the prince has so precarious a title, and the subjects are
made judges of the forfeiture, peace and public order must
be weakly established. The next part of the recantation is
not one jot bett^. For by only denying that prvoate people
Hoav estecute their princes, he seems to aUow that ms^istrates
Hid parliaments may do it. And by saying, that GoA does
not vtdSnanhf put the sword into the hands of the people,
what can be inferred, but that in some cases it is lawful for
(he people to rise against their sovereign, and reform the
dmrch and state at discretion."* How much better would
tfie learned writer have ordered this recantation, if he had
faftoniUely been one of the high commissioners at Lambeth !
If the form of it was really faulty, surely this attaches
BO evil io Mr. Groodman. He only complied with the im-
positions of his ecclesiastical judges. In this, as in numerous
other instances, we see the extreme madness of any man, or
any body of men, attempting to impose their own opinions
vpon their fellow-creatures.
When Mr. Groodman was cited before the archbishop
and otiier commissioners, he was required to subscribe, n^
01^ the above recantation, but the following protestation
of his loyalty to the queen and government :
' ^ I, Christopher Goodman, preacher of God*s word in
this realm of England, have protested, the day and year
above written, before the reverend fathers aforesaid, and in
this present writing, do unfeignedly protest and confess
before all men, that I have esteemed and taken Elizabeth,
by -the grace of God Queen of England, France, and
Ireland, defender of the faith, &c. ever smce her coronaticm,
as noW) and shall during life, and her grace's government,
for my only liege lady, and most lawful queen and sove-
nign. Whom I truly reverence in my heart, love, fear,
and obey, as becometh an obedient subject, in all thin^
Iftwftil; a^d as I have at sundry times in the pulpit^
9rillingly and of mine own accord, declared in great audi-
ence, who can and will bear me sufficient record, exhorting
and persuading all men, so far forth as in me did lay, to the
like obedience to her majesty. For whose preservation,
an^ prosperous government, I have earnestly and daily
prated to God, and will, being assisted by his holy spirit,
aiiring my Ufe. In witness whereof, I the said Christopher,
* OoUier'f Eccl. Hist. vol. ii. p. 440.
126 LIVES QF THE PURITANS.
Maij. From this book, the archbishop, after so muuij^
years, collected certain dangerous and seditious articles^w
they are called ; and requirra Mr. Goodman to revoke his
opinions.* Though he refused for some time, yetj before
his release could be procured, he was obliged to subscribe
ihe following recantation : ...
<^ For as much as the extremity of the time, wherein I
did write my book, brought forth alteration of religion^
setting up of idolatiy, banishment of good men, murdering
of saints, and violation of all promises made to the godly ;
I was, upon consideration of present grief, moved to write
many things therein, which may be, and are, offensively
taken, and which also I do mislike, and wish ihey had no^
been written. And notwithstanding the book, by me so
written, I do protest and confess, ^ That good and godly
women may lawfully govern whole realms and nations ; and
do, from the bottom of my heart, allow the queen's majesty's
most lawful government, and daily pray for the long
continuance of the same. Neither did I ever mean to aflton,
that any person or perscms, of their own authority, ought
or miffht lawfully have punished Queen Mary with deatti.
Nor that the people, of their own authority, may lawfidly
punish their magistrates, transgressing the Lord's preceptei
Nor that ordinarily God is the head of the people^ and
giveth the sword into their hands, though they seek iht
accbmplishment of his laws.' Wherefore, as many of these
assertions as may be rightly collected out of my said book,
them I do utterly renounce and revoke, as none of mine;
promising never to write, teach, nor preach, any such
offensive doctrine. Humbly desiring, that it may please your
lordships to give me your good and favourable allowance.;
whereby I shall, by God's grace, endeavour to labour ia
furthering the true service of God, and obedience to her
majesty, to the utmost of my power, during my whole life;
to the satisfaction of all good men, and to the contentiiieiit
of her majesty and your good lordships.
" ClIRISTOPHEE GOODM AN."^ '
^^ This is a lame recantation," says one of our learned
historians. <^ For Goodman founds the queen's title upte
her moraly and not upon her ctz7t/ qualifications. CMUf
women," he says, " may lawfully govern. By this dootrini^
where there is no virtue, there can be no claim to siuthority^;
and when their godliness is at an end, their government must
•.Strype's Parker, p, S2&, 336. f Sirype'g. Annals« v«K i. p. IM>
GOODMAir. Itt
be 80 too : iiiis is founding dominicm on grace. And when'
the prince has so precarious a title, and the subjects are
made judges trf* the forfeiture, peace and public order must
be weakly established. The next part of the recantation is
imt one jot better. For by only denying that private people
Hiay e:stecute their princes, he seems toaUow that magistrates
and parliaments may do it And by saying, that (Sod does
not etdbmrify put the sword into the hands of the people,
what can be inferred, but that in some cases it is lawful for
ibe people to rise against their sovereign, and reform the
church and state at discretion."* How much better would
the learned writer have ordered this recantation, if he had
fortunately been one of the high commissioners at Lambeth !
If the form of it was really faulty, surely this attaches
no evil to Mr. Goodman. He only complied with the im-
positions of his ecclesiastical judges. In tnis, as in numerous
other instances, we see the extreme madness of any man, or
any body of men, attempting to impose their own opinions
upon their fellow-creatures.
When Mr. Goodman was cited before the archbishop
and otiier commissioiiers, he was required to subscribe, n^
odty the above recantation, but the following protestation
of his loyalty to the queen and government :
• ^ I, Christopher Goodman, preacher of God*s word in
this lealm of £ngland, have protested, the day and year
above written, before the reverend fathers aforesaid, and in
this present writing, do unfeignedly protest and confess
before all men, that I have esteemed and taken Elizabeth,
by the grace of God Queen of England, France, and
Ireland, defender of the faith, &c. ever since her coronaticm,
as noW) and shall during life, and her grace's government,
for my only liege lady, and most lawful queen and sove-
reign. Whom I truly reverence in my heart, love, fear,
and obey, as becometh an obedient subject, in all thin^
lawftil; a^d as I have at sundry times in the pulpit^
mllingly and of mine own accord, declared in great audi-
ence, who can and will bear me sufficient record, exhorting
and persuading all men, so far forth as in me did lay, to the
like obedience to her majesty. For whose preservation,
an^ prosperous government, I have earnestly and daily
pfayra to God, and will, being assisted by his holy spirit,
aimng my life. In witness whereof, I the said Christopher,
* OoUier'f Eccl. Hist. vo]. ii. p. 440.
iS& LIVES OF THE PUKITANS.
have subscribed this protestation i^ith mine own hand, the
S6th day of April^ 1571, by me,
" Christopher Gtoodman.*** .
In the year 1584, Mr. Goodman, we find, lived in his
native county, where he was most probably silenced ficNr
nonconformity. During that year, Archbishop Whitgift
haying pressed subscription to his three articles, upon the
lly ministers in those parts, Mr. Goodman wrotis to the
!ajrl of Leicester, informing him how the papists in Cheshire
and elsewhere, rejoiced at the proceedings and severities of
the archbishop. This the archbishop, indeed, resented and
denied, and charged Mr. Goodman with perverseness, in
refusing subscription, and an exact conformity to the estab-
lished church.f
We have not been able to obtain any further account'of thii
excellent divine, till the pious and learned Mr. James Usher}
afterwards the famous archbishop, came to England to pur*
chase books for the college library at Dublin, nvhen ho
visited him on his death-bed. Usher was so deejAw
impressed with the holy conversation of this venesiUe
divine, that, when he himself became an old man, and the
Archbishop of Armagh, he often repeated the wise aiid grtTtt
speeches which he had heard from him.J Mr. GoodmaD
died in 1603, aged eighty-three years, and his reml^
were interred in St. Werburg's church, in the d^ (tf
Chester. Fuller denominates him a leader, of the nerit
nonconformists.^ Wood says, he was a most violoit non-
conformist, and more rigid in his opinions than^ hii
friend John Calvin, who speaks of him in his epu ~
Mr. Leigh calls him a learned, good, and holy divin
Dr. Bancroft says, that he, with the rest of the Geneva
accomplices, urged all estates to take up arms, and -bjr
force to reform religion themselves, rather than to liaOeii
superstition and idolatry to remain in the land.**
Mr. Thomas Merburie of Christ's coU^, Cambridge
in his last will and testament, dated December 1, 1571, an
proved the same month, appointed <^ his well-beloveidi. :n
Christ, his father-in-law, Mr.Christopher Goodman, preacher
• Strype*8 Annals, toI. i. p« 95, 96. f Ibid. toI. Hi. p. 946, Mti'
X Bernard's Life of Usher, p. 42. Edit. 1656.
S Fuller's Church Hist. b. ix. p. 77. , , i'
jl Wood's Athens Oxoo. vol i. p. 273.
1 Leigh's Religion and Learning, p. 811.
• • Bancroft's Dangeroui Positions, p. 62. Edit. 1640,
PERKINS. 129
of GocVs word," one of the supervisors of his wiU.» Mr.
Goodman publish* d the two tbilowing -irticles : ^< How
Superior Powers ought to be obeyed of their Subjects, and
wherein they mfiy be hwfully, by God's Word, disobeyd
and resisted,"^' 1548, — " A Commentary on Amos." Wood
ascribes to him, << The first Blast of the Trumpet against
the Monstrous Regiment of Women," 1558 : But it is well
known that Mr. John Knox, the celebrated Scotch reformer,
was its aothor : our divine only itrote the preface to that
work.
William Perkins was bom at Marton in War-
wickshire, in the year 1558, and educated in Christ's
college, Cambridge. For some time after his going to
the university, he continued exceedingly profile, and
ran to great lengths in prodigality. While Mr. Perkins
was a young man, and a scholar at Cambridge, he was
much devoted to di unkeuness. As he was walking in the
skirts of the town, he heard a woman say to a child that was
froward and peevish, " Hold your tongue, or 1 will give
^* you to drunken Perkins, yonder." Finding himself,
b^ome a by-word among the people, his conscience smote
hiin^ and he became so deeply impressed, that it was the
first step towards his conversion. After he was called by
divine grace, and become a preacher of the gospel, he laid
pp«n the working of sin and vanity in others, exercised a
spirit of sympathy over perishing sinners, and upon their
repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, led them to the enjoy-
ment of substantial comfort. He gave, at the same time,
strong proofs of his great genius, by his deep researches into
nature^ and its secret springs oi operation. When the
Lord was pleased to convert him from the error of his ways,
he immediately directed his attention to the study of divi-
luty, and applied himself with such uncommon diligence^
tiiat in a short time, he made an almost incredible profici-
^cy in divine knowledge.
At the age of twenty-four, he was chosen fellow of his
<^l%e, when he entered upon the sacred function. Having
Umaelf freely received, he freely gave to others ; arid in
uiiitation of our Lord, he went and preached deliverance to
^ptives. Feeling bowels of compassion for the poor pri-
' *^er8 confined in Cambridge, he prevailed upon the jailer
* Baker's MS. CoHec. toI. lii. p. 314.
130 LIVKS OP THE PURITANS.
to colleet them together in one spacious roonii nrhere he
preached to them every sabbath, -with great power and
success. Here the prison i^as his parish; his lore to souls,
the patron presenting him to it ; and his work, all the wages
he received. No sooner were his pious labours made
known, than multitudes flocked to hear him from all
quarters. By the blessing of Grod upon his endeavours,
he became the happy instrument of bringing many to the
knowledge of salvation, i^d to enjoy the gibhous liberty of
the sons 6f God, not duly of the prisoners,' but others, who,
like them, were in captivity and bondage to sin. His great
fame, afterwards known in all the churches, was soqd
spread through the whole university ; and he was chosen
i>reacher at St. Andrew's church, where he continued a
sdborious and faithful minister of Christ, till cdUed to
teceive his reward. *
Mr. Perkins being settled in this public' situation, Ui
hearers consisted of collegians, townsmen, and people from
th6 country. This reqtiired those peculiar mmisteiial
endowments which providence had richly bestowed upon
him. In all his discourses, his style add his subject Were
acconunbdated to the capacities of the conunon people^
while, at the same time, me pious scholars heard hud with
admiration. Luther used to say, << that ministers who
preach the terrors of the law, but do not bring forth gospel
instruction aiid consolation, are liot vf^ise masfer-builderB :
they pull down, but do not biiild up again.'' Bat Mr.
Perkinses sermons were edl laWy and alt gospel. He was a
rare instance of those opposite gifts meeting in so emmeirf
a degree in^the same preacher, eVen the vehemoice and
thunder of Boanerges^ to awakisn sinners to a sense of their
sin and dan^r, and to drive them from destruction; and
the persuasion and Goitifoit of Barnabas^ to pour the ynut
and oil of gospel consolation into their wounded spirits.
He used to ^pp& the terrors of the law so direcfly to the
consciences of his hearers, that their hearts would ofien
sink under the convictions ; and he used to pronounce the
word . damn with so peculiar ail emphasis, that it left a
doleful echo in their ears a long time after. • Also his
wisdom in giving advice and comfort to troubled con-
sciences, is said to have been such, <^ that the afflicted in
spirit, far and near, came to him, and received milch com'
fort from his instructions/' '
"•
• FDl]er*8 Abel RediTiTas, p. 431 -434.--Clark'ft Marrow of Bed.
Hist. p. 851.
PERKINS. 131
Mr. Perikins had a surprising talent for reading books.
He perused them so speedily, that he appeared to read
Bothiog; yet so accurately, that he seemed to read all. In
addition to his frequent preaching, and other ministerial
duties, he wrote num«r6tis excellent books ; many of which,
on account of their great worth, were translated into Latin,
wd sent into foreign countries, where they were greatlj
adnured and esteemed. Some of them being translated into
Frenqh, Dutch, and Spanish, were dispersed throush tiie
various European « nations. Voetius and other foreign
divines, have spoken of him with great honour and esteem.
Bishop Hall said, << he excelled in a distinct judgment, a
Tare dexterity in clearing the obscure subtleties of the
schods, and in an easy explication of the most perplexed
subjects.'* And thoi^h he was author of so many books,
being lame of his right-hand, he wrote them all with his
left. He used to write in the title of all his books, ^^ Thou art
a Bfinister of the Word : Mind thy business.'"
This celebrated divine was a thorough puritan, both in
principle and in practice, and was more than once con-
vened before his superiors for nonconformity ; yet he was a
man of peace and great moderation. He was concerned
for a purer reformation of the church ; and, to promote
the daired object, he united with his brethren m their
wivate associations, and in subscribing the << Book of
Discipline."* Complaint was, however, brought against
him, that he had signified, before the celebration oif the
Lord's supper, that the minister not receiving the bread and
'tine from the hands of another minister, but from himsdf^
was a corruption in the church:— that to kneel at the
sacrament was superstitious and antichristian ; — and that to
tnin their faces towards the east, was another corruption.
Upon this complaint, he was convened before Dr. Penie, the
vice-chancellor, and heads of colleges; but refusing to
answer, unless he might know his accusers, it was thought
eapedient to bring certain persons who had heard him, wd
examine them upon their oaths. Therefore, Mr. Bradcock^
Mr. Osborne, Mr. Baines, and Mr. Bainbrigg, were pro-
doced as witnesses against him, and required to answer
the three following interrogatories: — 1. ^^ Whether Mr.
Ferldns, in his conunon place, made at the time before
mrntMHied, did teach, that it was a corruption in our
^oicb, that the minister did not receive the oommnnion at
• 2rcal*t FultMm, vol. i. p. AtS.
132 LIVES OF THE PURITANS..
the hands of another minister, because that which is naedm
our dhurch is without warrant of the word ? — 9. Whethei^
he did name kneeling when we receive the sacrament, as'
superstitious and antichristian ?— 3. Whether he did not
denominate kneeling towards the east to be a cormption }**
-—The witnesses mostly answered in the affirmative; bat, in
several particulars, they could not give any testimony.
Mr. Bambrigg closed the evidence by obMrving, -friah
respect to bieeling at the sacrament, << He thought oar
Saviour sat, and," in his opinion, <^ it was better to come
near to that which He did, than that which was done in'
time of popery.*' He thought also that it was better not
to kneel towards the east.
After the examination of the witnesses, Mr. Perkins was
allowed to speak in his own defence, when he addressed his
spiritual judges as follows : — ^' As this doctrine c^ faith and
a sood conscience is to be applied to the congregation, so
it is by Grod's providence come to pass that I must apply it
to myself. I am thought to be a teacher of erroneoos
doctrines. I am enjoinra to satisfy, and, in trutii, I am now
williqg with all my heart to do it. — ^Of ministering (ho
communion to a man's own self, this. was my cMpinion, that
in this place it was better to lieoeive it from another, because
we are thirteen ministers ; and, by this means, the minister
would not only receive the sacrament, but also the approba*
ticm of his brother, that he was a worthy receiver. It itf
observed, that I said this action was unlawful, and a onrnip"
tion of our church. I said it not; and truly, I protoC
before God, if I had said it, the same tongue whidi had
said it, should unsay it ; that God might have the gtoary,
and that shame and confusion might be unto me.
<< I said not that kneeling was idolatrous and antichrii^
tian.. I do remember it. My opinion was this, that of die
two gestures which we used, sitting and kneeling, sitting ii
more convenient, because Christ sat, and the pope knadethi
as Jewel observes against Harding. And in things in-
different we must go as far as we can from idolatry. Mr.
Calvin taught me this, in his sermon on Deut. yii. I
think a man may use it with a good consdence; for I am
far from condemning any. And I beseedii vou how. can
. we altogether clear ourselves, who, sitting before, &U down
on our knees when the bread cometh, and, having recdVeB
it, rise up again, and do in like manner with the wine.
^^ I hold looking unto the east or west to be indiflfeient,
and to be used accordingly : but this I marvel at, wh/ tiis
PERKINS. laS
crofls fltill jBtimdeUi in the window, and ^hy we turn our«
fidrcB toward the end of the chapel, at the end of the
first and second lesson. We are commanded to flee from
e?ei7 appearance of evil. — ^These things I have said to
satisfy every man in the conurbation, audi to shew that I
deqpise not authority : which, if this will do, God be
maued ; but if not, God's will be done. I confess most
h^y this thing. I did not seek the disquiet of this con-
gregation; yet I might have spoken these things at a
more convenient time.''*
It does not appear whether Mr. Perkins's defence gave
satisfiEU^on to his ecclesiastical judges, or whether he suffered
^ome particular censure or further prosecution. This, how-
ever, was not the end of his troubles. lie was apprehended,
with many others, and carried before the star-chamber, on
account of the associations. Upon his appearance before
this high tribunal, he took the oath ex officio^ discovered
ithe asiiociations, and confessed that Mr. Cartwright, Mr.
finape, and others, had met at Cambridge, to confer about
ma^iB of discipline.f He was once or twice convened
befivre the high commission; and though his peaceable
bdhaviour, and great fame in the learned world, are said to
Jiave procured him a dispensation from the persecutions of
]iis brithren,t he was, nevertheless, deprived by Archbishop
Whitgifl.^ Mr. Perkins, writing at the above period, in
1582, when many of his brethren were cruelly imprisoned
for nonconformity, styles it, ^^ The year of the last patience '
§£ the saints.'*!
Towards the close of life, Mr. Perkins was much afflicted
:vnth the stone, the frequent attendant on a sedentary life,
which he bore with remarkable patience. In the Inst fit of
Ids complaint, a little before his death, a friend praying for
the mitigation of his pains, he cried out, '' Hold, hold ! do
not pray so; but pray the Lord to give me faith and
patience, and then let him lay on me what he pleases.'*
At length his patience had its perfect work. He was finally
deliv^d from all his pains, and crowned with immor-
tality and etem^ life, in the year 1602, aged forty-four
^rears.f He was bom in the first, and died in the h\^ year
^ the reign of Queen Elizabeth. He left the world rich
• Biker*i ]lil8. CoUec. ▼o1. zzx. p. 992, 893.
•f Strype*t Whitgift, p. S34, S7 1 , 378.
1 Ncal'i Paritam, vol. i. p. 509.
S Granger's Biog. Hist. toI. i. p. 819.
I Cbwtoa'f life of Nowdl, p.S83. f FuUer^f Hist, of Qm. p. IBT.
191 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
in grace, and in the love of God and good men ; and
instrumental in making nidny rich. His ministerial laboim
were signally blessed to multitudes, both townsmen and
collegians. His remains were interred in St. Andrew'«
church wi<h great funeral solemnity, at the sole expense of
Christ's college ; the university and the town striving which
could shew the warmest gratitiTtfe for hiS faithful bbours,
and pay the greatest resjx*ct to his memory. Dr. M'jntague,
afterwards successively Bishoi) of Rath and Wells, and (^
Winchester, preached his funeral sermon from Joshua, i. 9.
Moses my servant is dead ; and spoko in high commenda-
tion of his learning, piety, labours, ond usefulness.* •
Mr. Perkins was so pious and exemplary in his life,
that malice itself was unable to reproacli his character. A%
his preaching was a just commeul upon his text ; so his
practice was a just comment upon his preaching. He was
naturally cheerful and pleasant; rather reserved towards
strangers, but familiar upon their further acquaintance. He
was of a middle stature, ruddy complexion, bright hairy
and inclined to corpulency, but not to idleness.f He was
esteemed by all, says I^'uller, as a painful and faithfid
dispenser of the word of God ; and his great piety pro^
cured him liberty in his ministry, and respect to his person,
even from those who difiered from him in other matters.
He is classed among the ft^llows and learned writers of ,
Christ's college, Cambridge, t Churton styles him "tfce
learned and pious, but Calvinistic Perkins;" as if hii
Calvinism was a considerable blemish in his character^
Toplady, on the contrary, applauds him on account of hii
Calvinistic opinions, and denominates him ^' the leame^
holy, and laborious Perkins."| The celebrated Aiehbifiluioi
Usher had the highest opinion of him, and often expicsBei
his wish to die as holy Mr. Perkins did, who ezpivd
crying for mercy and forgiveness. Herein he was, iDmed^
gratified; for his last words were, << Lord, eqpeciafly
forgive my sins of omission.*'!
The works of this excellent divine are numeioiu and .
highly esteemed, especially in foreign countries. Thcf
were published at various times, but were collected aid
printed in three volumes folio, in 1606, entitled << His
• Strype*8 Whitgift, p. S7 1.
f FuUer*! Abel. Red. p. 436.— Clark's Eccl. Hist. p. 851. ,
FnUer's Chnrch Hist. b. iz. p. 211.— Hist, of Caoi.'p. 98.
Churton^s Life of NoweU, p. 323.
Toplady*8 Historic Proof, toI. ii. p. 179.
i Bernard's Life of Uiberj p. 100. Edit. 1656.
PERKINS. 1S5
Warkes of that Famous and Worthie Minister of Christ,
in the Uniyersitie of Cambridge, M. W. Perkins." Mr.
Job Orton had an high opinion of him and his writing,
and gives the following account both of the author and the
productions of his pen : — '' I am now reading the works
of Mr. William Perkinu, an eminent tutor and divine at
Cambrid^, in Queen Elizabeth's reign. They arc three
▼(dumes folio, and I have got throu^^h one of them. What
led me more particularly to read him was, that his elder
brother was one of my ancestors, from whom I am in a
direct line, by my mother's side, descended. I think him
an excellent writer : his style is the l^'st of any of that age^
or the next, and niafiy passage^ in his writings are equal to
those of the best writers in modern times. He is judicious,
clear, tiill of matter, and deep christian experience. He
wrotei all his works with his left hand, being lame of thp
rijB^ht, and died about forty-four. I could wisfi all ministers,
especially youn^ ones, would read him, as they would
find large materials for composition. He hath some tracts
a^nst the papists ; and appears to have been a pretty
high Calviiiist; but he hath many admirable things in
CriMfu'o/ divinity. His works are little known in EWland,
at they f^re still in estimation in CJermany, many of them
being written in elegant Latin, and others translated into
German.''^
Mr. Perking made his last will and testament a little
before his death, dated Cambridge, October 16, 1602, and
it was in substance as follows :— First, he bequeaths to the
poor of thp parish of St. Andrews, where he then dwelt,
the sum of forty pounds. Also to his worshipful and
loyii^ friends, Mr. Edm. Barwt-11, Jam. Montague, D. D;
Mr. Law. Chadderton, master of Emanuel college. Rich.
Fozcrofl and Tho. Cropley, M. A. and Nath. Ciudock his
brother-in-law, all the messuage or tenement wherein he
then dwelt, with the houses, yards, &c. adjoining thereto^
in the town of Cambridge, to be sold, aiid the monev
divided into three equal parts, on^ part to eo to his wiie
Timothye, the other two amongst his children, bom or
unborn. He also wills that the price of all his moyeable
goods and chattels be divided amongst Jiis wife and
children.
<< He appoints his wife Timothye his sole ezecotriz, oc
in case of failure by death, then he makes Nath. Ciadqpl(
» 9io(. Biilaa. f •!. T. p. SlSi Ediumf. i
136 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
aforesaid, e;xecutor. He also bequeaths to his father^-Tlia*
Perkins, and his mother, Anna Perkins, ten pounds a piece,
and to every of his brethren and sisters, fiye^ pounds a
piece, and to his son-in-law, John Hinde, his Elnglish
Bible."*
JosiAS Nichols was a worthy minister of the i^ospeL an
humble servant . of Christ, and a man of distinguisaed
eminence in his day. Certain writers in defence of the
church and its ceremonies, having c^.harged the puritans
with bemg as factious, seditious, and as great enemies^ to
the queen, as the papists ; Mr. Nichols, in answer to these
malicious imputations, publislied a book, entitled <* A Flea
for the Innocent; or, a Defence of the Puritans/' 16Q2.
The author proves that the charges against the puritans
were malicious and false. He, fully answers all the calum-
nies and slanders cast upon them, and, with great impar-
tiality, blames both parties in those things wherein they
were culpable. The book is written with great modesty,
humility, and temper, and with great reverence of the
bishops ; in soft and gentle language, with good stroigth of
argument, liveliness of affection, and a deep sense of the
common danger then threatening both the church and the,
state, f In this work, he observes, in defence of himself and
his brethren, " We subscribe willingly to the book of
articles, according to the statute in that behalf provided:
viz. to those articles which only concern the confession of
the true faith, and the doctrine of the sacraments, as tfe
iMAtuto expressly commandeth and limiteth.''^ Mr. NichcdB
subscribed the " Book of Discipline."^
Thomas Cartwright, B. D. — This most celebiated
person was born in Hertfordshire, about the year 1535, and
educated in St. John's college, Cambridge. He possessed
excellent natural parts, applied to his studies with uncooi*
mon assiduity, and made amazing progress in the varioos
branches ot usejful literature. He allowed himself only i^
hours' sleep in the night, to which custom he closdy
adhered to the end of his days. Having been about three
years at the university, upon the death of King Edwaid,
• Baker*8 MS. Conec. vol. ii. p. 644.
f MS. Reinark«, p. 535. 1^ Pleafbr the Iiuoceot, p. 91.
S Neal's Furitiuis, yol. i. p. 423.
NICHOLS— CARTWRI6HT. 1S7
4Uid the return of popery, he quitted that seat of learning,
and became clerk to a counsellor at law. This employ-
ment, however, did not prevent the prosecution oi h^
^rmer pursuits. The study of divinity, and those branches
of knowled^ most calculated for usefulness to a divine^
were his chief deligbt ; and to which he still directed the
closest application. In this situation he remained till the
accession of Queen Elizabeth, when he returned to St.
John^s collegtu and in the year 1560, was made icUow of the
Louse. In about three years, he was removed to Trinity
college, where, on account of his great learning and worth,
he was chosen one of the eight senior fellows.
In the year 1564, when Queen Elizabeth visited the
university of Cambridge, uncommon preparations were
made for her entertainment, and the most learned men were
selected for the public disputations. Among these was
Bir. Cartwright, whose performance on this occasion dis-
covered such extraordinary abilities, as gave the greatest
Batisfaction, both to the queen and the other auditors.* But
laaaay writers have asserted, that he received neither reward
nor con^mendation ; and that he was presumptuous of his
own ^ood learning, but deficient in a comely grace and
behaviour. Indeed, it is added, that he was so vexed by
hex majesty ^s neglect of him, that he immediately began to
wade into divers opinions relative to the new discipline, and
to kick at the government of the established chtkrch;
girowing conceited of his own learning and holiness, and
beeoming a great contemner of those who differed irom
him.'l' That this is a most notorious slander, appears partly
fiom the account already given ; but especially from the
words of another learned mstorian. From the relation of
the queeiTs reception at Cambridge, says he, there appears
no clear ground for any such discontent, as that which is
charged against Mr. Cartwright; for, as this relation
informs us, the queen approved of them aU4
In the year 1570, Mr. Cartwright was chosen Lady
•Haigaret's professor of divinity. It is particularly men*
ti<med, that he delivered lectures upon the first and second
pUapters of the Acts of the Apostles ; which he performed
with such acuteness of wit, and such solidity of judgment,
that they excited the admiration of those who attended.
He was also become so celebrated a preacher, that when it
* Clark*8 Lives annexed to bis Martyrologie, p. 16, 17.
t Fteile*s Life of Whitgift, p. 9, 10.
i 8trype*8 Annals, voL i. p. 403.
las LIVES OF THE PURFPANS.
was his tnra to preach at St Mary^s, the sexton^ on accoonl
of the multitudes who flocked to hear him, was oblJMf,
for their accommodation, to take dowa the windows or the
church.*
Mr. Cartwright took occasion, in his lectures, to deliyer
his sentin^.ents concerning church discipline ; and becaiiso
they were uni'ayourable to the hierarchy, public accusatioiB
were soon exiiibited against him.f Archbishop Grindai
wrote a letter, dated June 24, 1570, to Sir William Cecily
chanc-ellor oK the university, urging him to take some
course with Mr. Cartwright ; alleging, that in his lectures
he constantly spoke against the external policy, and tho
various offices ot the church; in consequence of which,
the young men of the university, who attended his lectures
in great numbers, were in danger of being poisoned by his
doctrines. He, therefore, reconunended to the chancellor
to silence Cartwright and his adherents, and to reduce
them to conformity, q^r expel them from the coll^, 'or
from the university, as the cause should require. ' IJ^ alsa
urged that Mr. Cartwright might not be allowed to take his
degree of doctor in divinity, at the' approaching cbm^"
mencement, tor which he had made application.^ - Dn
Whitgift also zealously opposed Mr. Cartwright, and
wrote at the same time to the chancellor, communicatiitff
not only what Mr. Cartwright had openly taught, bin
also what he had spoken to him iq private conversation.^
Mr. Cartwright vindicated his conduct in a letter to Sir
William Cecil ; in which he declared his extreme ,aveni<^
to every thing that was seditious or contentiou&i ;' and
affirmed, that he had taught nothing but what naturally
flowed from his text. He observed, uuit he had cantiourij
« Clark*! Lives, p. 17.
-f Itli said, with a design to reproach Mr. Cartwright, that he aod hk
mdhereots having delivered three sermons iq the col^e chapel» on o#
Ijard*s day, they spoke so vehemently against the ceremonies anid c^ «8f ^
the surplice, that, at evening prayer, all the collegians, except three, citf
off their surplices, and appeared in the chapel without them l-^Fmil^f
Hfe of Whitgift, p. X^.—FulUr's HUU of CM9^Mdg9, p. 140.
'^ Strype's Grindal, p. 168.
^ It is observed, that what Mr. Cartwright delivered In his leraMM M
one Lard*s day, Whitgift, in the same place, lUways refuted the Lwrd^
day following, to his great commendation and applause. How ftu* ikk
WV to bis commendation or applause, we do not determiaei but i|owt9
retoncile Whitgift's practice, in this case, with his own coodoctx after*
wards, when in the most cruel manner he censured the excellent l|^r.
Walter Travers for the very same thing, will be found, we think, eztrenyly
difficult.— S/r»p«*s Whitgift, p. 10» 11,— Potil^'t fFkUgifl, p, 19.r-:0e«
Art. Tra99n,
- CARTWRI6HT. IS^
wroided.^feakiiiff against the habits ; but acknowledged his
haivini^ tmght, that the ministry of the church of England
liad declii^, in some points, from the ministry of the
apostolic church, and that he wished it to be restored to
gmler puriQr. But these sentiments, he said, he had
oriivered with all imaginable caution, and in such a
maimer as could give offence to none, excepting the
igtiorant, die malignant, or those who wished to catch at
something to calumniate him ; of which things, nearly all
■the university, if they might be allowed, would bear
"witness. He, therefore, entreated the chancellor id hear
and judge the cause himsi^lf.* Mr. Cartwright had, indeed,
numerous friends, ornaments to the university, by whom he
was exceedingly admired, and who now stuck close to him.
They came forwards f^t this juncture ; and declared in their
testimonial sent to the chancellor, '' That he never touched
Xthe controversy of the habits ; and though he had
need somc^ propositions respedH^ the ministry, accord^
iog to which he wished things might be r^ulated, he did
it with all possible caution and modesty.'^ This was signed
lyy fifteen hands; and other letters of commendation were
written in his favour, signed by many naines, some of
irimn 'afterwards b<!came bishops ;t but all was to no
pQipdse. It was too obvious, that his adversaries were
Ksolved to make him a public example.
Chancellor' Cecil was, indeetl, inclined to treat Mr.
Gartwright with candour and moderation ;i but his oppo-
-nents were determined to prosecute him with the utmost
ifeour and severity. He was cited before the vice-chan-
cellor. Dr. May, and other doctors, and examined upon
sundry {urticles, which, he was said to have delivered. The
points alleged against him, they affirmed to be contrary to
the religion established by public authority; and, there-
fore, demanded whether he would revoke his opinions, or
abide by them. Mr. Cartwright desiring to be permitted
to commit his sentiments upon th( se points to writing, was
allowed the favour. He tfien drew up his opinions m six
propositions, and presented them to the vice-chancellor,
who admonished him to revoke them ; and, upon his refusal,
deprived him of his stipend, but allowed him to continue
Ins lecture.^
During this year. Dr. Whitgift was chosen vice-chaUr*
• Strype*! Annals, vol. ii. p. 3. + Ibid. p. 2—4. Appen. p, i— 4.
1 IbM. vol. I. p. 566, 6^.
f Clark'i LiTe8,p. n.*-S(r7pe'i Whitgift, Appen. p. lU
140 LIVES OF T&E PURITANS.
eeUor, when Mr. Gartwright was mesently convoied befont
liim. Upon his appearance, Whiteift required him- to
revoke those opinions contained in his six pvopositionsy to
which he had subscribed; and upon Mr. Gartwri^t'i
refusal, he pronounced upon him the following defimtive
sentence : — ^' That seeing no admonition would hd-jK bat
that he still persisted in the same mind, he did theie*
fore pronounce him, the said Mr. Cartwright, to be
removed from his said lecture ; and by his final decree or
sentence, did then and there remove him, and declare the
said lecture void ; and that he minded, ficcordin^ to the
foundation thereof^ to proceed to the election of a, oeir
reader. And further, he did .then and there, by virtue of
his office, inhibit the said Mr. Cartwright from preaching
within the said university, and the jurisdiction of the
same."*
The six propositions which Mr. Cartwright delivered
under his own hand to the vice-chancellor, and which
were said to be both dangerous and untrue, were the
following :—
1. That the names and functions of archbishcqps and
archdeacons ought to be abolished.
2. That the offices of the lawful ministers of the^chordi,
viz. bishops and deacons, ought to be reduced 4o their
apostolical institution : bishops to preach the Word of God
and pray, and deacons to be employed in taking care of
the poor.
3. That the government of the church ought not to be
entrusted to bishops' chancellors, or the officials of arch-
deacons; but every church ought to be governed by fti
awn minister and presbyters.
4. That ministers ought not to be at large, but ^verf
one should have the charge of a particular copgi^
gation.
. 5.. That no man ought to solicit, or to stand as a candi-
date for the ministry.
6. That ministers ought not to be created by the iok
authority of the bishop, but to be openly and fiiirly choM
by the people.t
In addition to these heterodoxies and misr€presenlifti0h
as the learned historian is pleased to call thenl,t otbtf
^Ifticles were collected from Mr. Cartwright's lectures; and*
as they were accounted both dangerous and seditious^ ii wA
• Clark's Livea, p. 17 — Strype's Whitgift, Appen. p. l|. ,
^ Ibid. i ColUer'a hccU Hkt. foU ii. p. M»
CARTWRIGHT. 141
«
be proper to give the substance of them, which was as
L That in refomiingthe chnrch, it is necessary to reduce
all thiDjn io the apostolic institution.
S. That no man ought to be admitted into the ministry^
who is not capable of preaching.
3. That popish ordinations are not valid. And onlj
omonical scripture ought to be publicly read in the
church.
4. That equal reverence is due to all canonical scripture^
ind to all the names of God ; there is, therefore, no reason
why the people should stand at the reading of the gospel^
or bow at the name of Jesus.
5. That it is as lawful to sit at the Lord's table, as to
heel or stand.
6. That the Lord^s supper ought not to be administered
m private; nor should Imptism be administered by women
or lajr-persons.
7. That the sign of the cross in baptism, is superstitious.
8. That it is reasonable and proper, that the parent
should oflfer his own child in baptism, without being obliged
k> say / iJDill^ I mil noty I believe^ &c.
9. That it is papistical to forbid marriages at certain
tunes of the year ; and to give licenses for them at those
times, is intdlerable.
10. That the observation of Lent^ and fiEusting on Fridays
and Saturdays, is superstitious.
11. That trading or keeping markets on the Lord's day^
is unlawful.
18. That in ordaining ministers, the pronouncing of those
woids, Recehe the Holy Ghost^ is both ridiciuous and
wicked.*
These were the dangerous and seditious doctrines, which
Mr. Cartwright occasionally touched upon in his publio
lectores, but evidently without the least design of promoting
discord. However, those who sought, his ruin, having
already deprived him of his lecture and professorship^
piDcured his expulsion from the university. This was
undoubtedly a short and easy method pf refuting his
opinions ! The pretended occasion of his expulsion was,
indeed, looked upon as a crime of no small magnitude.
Mr. Cartwright, a senior fellow. of the college, was only in
deacon's orc&rs. Whilgift was no sooner informed of this,
• Strype^f Annals, vol, i. p. .589.
142 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
and that the statute required such to take upon.them the
order of priests, than he omcluded he was perjured ; upon
which, withoirt any further admonition, he exerted his
interest to the utmost among the masters, to rid the place
of a roan whose popularity was too great for his ambitidn,
declaring he could not establish order in the uniyenity,
while a man of his principles was amonc^ them.*
The friends of Mr. Cartwright complained of this hard
usage. They looked upon it' as extreme severity, and
savouring too much of antichrist, for a man to be thus oeo'
sured, without beiri^ allowed to have a conference before
impartial judges. Whitgift and his friends, therefore^ to
tas^e their case appear plausible, signed the following
testimonial, signifying, ^< That Mr. Cartwright never
ofiered any disputation, only on condition that he m\^
know his opponents and his judges; nor was this kuid
of disputation denied him, oidy he was required to obtain
a license from the queen or council ;"f which his ad-
versaries knew he could never procure. Here it is
evident Mr. Cartwright did not stand on equid ffround.
The reader will easily perceive, that his .pixiposw of a
public dispute, even according to the statement of Ins
enemies, were most equitable and just; but thdrs were
inequitable, and not within his power to observe.
After Mr. Cartwright's expulsion from the rmiverntf,
<^ Wliit^ifi accused him of going up and down idly, and dmg
no good, but living at other mens' tables.''^ How ungeDcnoi
was this i After the doctor had taken away his bread, and
stopped his mouth from preaching, how unkind was it 1o
reproach him with doing no good, and wiA depending (A
his friends for a dinner! Mr. Cartwright himself says,
'^ After he had thrust me out of the college, he accused oe
of going up and down, doing no good, and living at otlier
mens' tables. That I was not idle, I suppose, he knowelfc
too well. Whether well occupied, or no, let it be judged.
I lived, indeed, at other mens' taUes, having no houae^ nor
wife, of my own : but not without their <ksire^ and with
small delight of mine, for fear of evil tongues. And
although I were not able to requite it ; yet towards some I
went about it, instructing their children partly in the prin-
ciples of religion, partly in other learning."^
Mr. Cartwright being expelled from me university, aid
• Strype's Whiigift, p. 4T. + Paale'i WhlteifL p. 14^18.
1 Strype^s Whitgift, p. 64.
h Bios. Britao. toI, iiU p. S8S. Edit. 1778.
CARTWRIGHT. 143
out of all employment, if ent abroad, and settled a corre*
4Mndence.witn some of the most celebrated diyines in the
|ore^;n protestant universities. During his abode on the
coQtiiient, he was chosen minister to the English merchants
at Antwerp, th^i at Middleburg, where he continued about
two years, the Lord greatly blessing his labours. But by
the importunity of his old mends, Messrs. Deering, Fulke^
Wybum, Lever, and Fox, he was at length prevailed upon
to return home.* Several of our historians affirm of him,
even before his troubles at Cambridge, '' that he might the
better feed his humour with conceited novelties, he travelled
to jGeneva ; where he was so enamoured with the new dis-
cipUne^ that he thought all churches and congre^tions
were to be measured and squared by the practice of
Geneva.''^ I^or this reproachful insinuation, however^
there is ho sufficient evidence. It is pretty certain he
never went to Geneva till afler his expulsion from the
university. ^
About the time of Mr. Cartwriglit*s return to Endand,
was published, ^^ An Admonition to the Parliament, ror the
Reformation of Church Discipline f to which were an-
nexed Beza's' Letter to the Elarl of Leicester, and Gaulter's
to Bishop Parkhurst. Mr. Cartwriffht was not the author,
as many writers have asserted ; but Mr. John Field, assisted
hy Mr. Thomas Wilcocks, for which they were both com-
mitted to Newgate, where they continued a long time.f
Upon the imprisonment of these two excellent divines, Mr.
Cartwright was induced to publish a '^ Second Admonition,
with an humble Petition to both Houses of Parliament, for
relief against Subscription.'^ The first Admonition was
answered by Dr. Whitgift. Mr. Cartwright then pub-
lished a Reply to Whitgift's Answer ; which he is said to
h^ve done so admirably well, that his very adversaries com-
mended him for his performance.^ In 1573, Whitgift
published Ids Defence against Mr. Cartwrighfs Reply.
And in 1575, Mr. Cartwright published a Second Reply
to Whitgift's Defence, in two parts. But the second
part did not come out till 1577. Fuller is, therefore,
mistaken, when he says, that Whitgift kept the field, and
|iecc|ivi9d no refutation ; for it is certain Mr. Cartwright had
€he last word.f
. « Churk'i Li?et, p. 18.
4- Piftvle't Whhgift^p. 11.— Heylin^f Hiit. of Pr«t. p. «02.
t See Arte. Fidd and Wilcocks. h Clark*i Li?et, p. 18.
I StiTpe'i Whitf ift; p. 50--e9.^Charch Hist. b. iz. p. 108.
/
144 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
It was impossible for these divines to settle the cent ro-
yersy ; because they were not agreed about the standard or
rule of judgment. Mr. Cartwright maintained, that the
holy scriptures were the only standard of discipline and'
^yemment, as well as of aoctrine ; and that the church of
Christ in all ages ought to be r^ulated by them. He would,
therefore, consult the Bible only^ and reduce all things, as
near as possible, to the apostouc standard. The less our
religion was incumbered with the inventions of men, in biV
opinion, the more it would resemble the simplicity that is
in Christ. " We mean not," said he, " to take away the
authority of the civil magistrate, to whom we wish all
blessedness, and for the increase of whose godliness we
daily pray: but that Christy being restored to his king-
dom, may rule in the same by the sceptre of his word.*
Whitgift, on the other hand, maintained, that though the
holy scriptures were a perfect rule of faith, they were not
designed as the standard of church discipline.; but that thib
is cnangeable, and may be accommodated to the govern-
ment under which we live. Therefore, instead of reducing'
the external policy of the church to the simplicity S
scripture^ the doctor took in the opinions and customs of
the fathers, in the four first centuries, f
These points were disputed, as might be expected, with
some degree of sharpness. While Mr. Cartwnght thought
he had reason to complain of the hardships which he luid
his brethren suffer^ ; Whitgift, having the government oil
his side, thought he stood im higher ground, and migU
assume a superior air. When Mr. Cartwright and his
friends pleaded for indulgence, because they were brethren;
Whitgift replied, " What signifies their being brethmi :
anabaptists, arians, and other heretics, would be accounted
brethren. Their haughty spirits will not suffer them to
see their error. They deserve as great punishment as tte
papists; because they conspire against the church. If
they be shut up in ]Newgate, it is a meet reward for their
disorderly doings; for ignorance may not excuse libeb
* Bishop Maddoz warmly censnres Mr. Cartwright for maintaiaioK, that
the supreme magistrate is only the bead of the commonwealth, not of the
cborch ^ and that the church may be established without. him.— ITtedf?'
cation of the Churchy p. S71.
f The words of Ballard, a popish priest, before Sir Francis Knolhrif
concerning Whitgift's writings, are remarkable. '* I woald deilre M
** better boolcs," said he, *' to prove my doctrine of popery, than Wiiitgift'i
** against Cartwright, and his ininuctions let forth in her aajetty*! ~— ^ "
^Strypc'B WhUgift, p. S66. - ^ . .
CART WRIGHT. J45
agaiort a private man, much. less when thej slander the*
mole church."* How would (he doctor have liked this
\ummge in the mouth of a pamst sixteen years before ?
U lias too often been the method of warm disputants,*
when they could not untie the knots with their filers, to
qit them with the sword of the civil power.
In this controversy, the two parties complained of each'
other. Whitgift thus observes to Cartvmght: << If you
should have written against the veriest papist in the world,'
the vilest person, the ignorantist dolt, you could not have
med a more spiteful and malicious, more slanderous and'
reproachful, more contemptuous and disdainful kind q£
vdtinff, than you use throughout your whole book." On
the ouMHT hand,^ Cartwright says to Whitgift, << If peace
had been so precious to you, as you pretend, you would
not have brought so many hard words, bitter reproachei^'
eaemy-like speeches, (as it were sticks and coab,) to double
and treble the heat of contention." Mr. Stiype, speaking
of Cartwright's reply, says, " Great was the opinion, both
pf the man and. of his book, at this time in London, as
well as at Cambridge : many of the aldermen of London^
openly countenanced him. He was secretly harboured in
the city, and had a great many admirers and visitors there,
and wanted not for presents and gratuities."f Whether,
theiefore, Mr. Cartwnght got the better of his adversary,
or not, in sound learning and strength of argument,
Whilgijfit assuredly got most by it : . for he was soon
afier made Archbishop of Canterbury, while Cartwright
was persecuted from place to place, as if he were not fit to
Kve.
The chief of the puritans, bein^ now deprived of the
liberty of preaching and publishmg, wish^ to obtain a
poUic disputation with their adversaries. Though this
Privilege had been allowed the protestants in the days of
Qaeen Mary, and the papists at the accession of Elizabeth,
^be queen and council took a shorter method, and summoned
tbe disputants to appear before the ecclesiastical rulers, to
answer such articles as should then be exhibited against
^hem. Mr. Cartwright was summoned by a special order
ftooi the high commission, addressed, "To all mayors,
sheriffi^ bailiffs, constables, headborougbs, and to all the
* Wfcitgift ackDowIedged, that» by the word of God, the ofllce of
b'kbopi and prietts were theiame ; yet. Id his controversy with Cartwright,
^ made it heresy to believe and teach thh doctrine. — NtaVi Puritant,.
*•>!. i p. teO.—HuntUifB Prelates* Uturpations, p, 124.
t fiiog;. Britan. vol. iii. p. 9S4. fidit. 1778.
VOL. II, L
140 LIVES. OF THE PURITANS.
queen^s majesty's officers, unto whom it may come of
appertain/' The order itself^ dated London, Deceabet
11, 1573, ifas as follows: — ^< We do require you, and
<< therewith straiiiy command you, and every of you.
<< in the queen's majesty's name, that you be aiding ana
<< assisting to the bearer and bearers hereof, with all the best
<^ means you can devise, for tlie apprehension of one
^ Thomas Cartwright, student in divinity, wheresoever h^
<^ be, within the liberties or without, within this reabn.
<< And jrou having possession of bu body by your gooii
<< travail and dilig^ice in. this buoncss, we do likewito
^< charge you, (for. so is her majesty's pleasure,) that he bd
<< brought up by you to London, with a sufficient number
^ for his' safe appearance before us, and other her majesty's
^< commissioners in causes ecclesiastical, for his unlawnif
^^ dealings and demeanours in matters touching religion^ atidl
<^ the state of this realm. AAdfiiilyonnotsotodo,eveiydM
<^ of you, with all diligence, a& you will answer- to the-
<' contrary upon, your utmost peril." This order way
signed by the Bishop of London, and eleven others of the
high commission.*
Afr. Cartwright, however, wisely concealed himself, tiH
he found an opportunity of leaving the kingdom. And God,
who provides for the young ravons when they cij)
pfovided for his persecuted servant in this glocNEby season.-
For at this critical juncture, he was- unexpectecQy invHed^
together with Mr. Snape, to assist the ministers* in fle
islands of Jerse;^ and Guernsey, in framing the reauisita
discipline for their churches* This was a mvoursMf;' &^
Ensation to Mr. Cartwright ; who, being forced to abandba
s native country^ foura there a refuge from t£RS strain.
These two islands were the oi|ly places within the Britiiif
^fominions, where the out-stretched anns of the high con*
SHssioners could not reach him. During Mr. Carttrrifflit]i
abode here, besides attending to the special object dr Uf
mifirion., he laboured. in his pdblic ministiTv particularly at
Castle^Comet in Guernsey. It appears that he aftdrMidb
went again to. Antwerp^ and a secmd' time beoHSM^
I»eacher to the £i^li9h merchants.^
Mr. Cartwn^t continued at: Antwerp several yesffj
bat his health haying ^^eatly deeUned, the physidaai
recommended hiin, as the most likely means of nis lestor-
ation, to tiy his. native ain His comidaint at laogA
• Strype'f AamIs, vol. IS. |kS8{i. f JU^om*! lf«. CollecPraf. p. 93^
CARTWRIGHT. 147
iticrca8iii^4o so great a degree that his life was thought to
be ill danger, he wrote to the lords of the council, the Eaii
#f Iieicester^ and the Lord Treasurer Burleigh, for permission
to come home. These two noblemen made honourable men-
thM of him in Parliament. They also interceded with the
qtteeu, but could not procure her favour and consent.
JNeyertheless, he yentured to return once more to his native
oountrj. But it was no sooner known that he was landed^
thali he was apprehended by Bishop Aylmer, and cast into
l^riiion.* When he appeared before Whitgift, now made
Archbishop, he behaved with so much modesty and
respect, as greatly softened the heart of his adversary ; who^
Upon the promise of his quiet and peaceable behaviour,
suffered him, after some time, to go at large. For this
ftyour, both the E^rl of Leicester and Mr. Cartwright
thanked the archbishop ; but all the endeavours they used
eoald not obtain him a license to preach.f The eiarl did
every thing for him in his power, and made him master of
the hospital at Warwick; where, for some time, he preached
without a license, being exempt from the jurisdiction of
Uib prelates.} This noble earl, and his brother, the Earl
of Warwick, were his constant friends and patrons as long
aa-theylived.^
Mr. Cartwright was so celebrated, that King James
of Scotland offered him a professorship in the university
of St. Andrews ; but he modestly declined it. Afterwards,
Ifr. Cartwright, in the dedication of his <^ Commentary
o^ Ecclesiastes" to that king, made thankful acknowledg-
BMnt of the royal favour. The Archbishop of Dublin
itiyited him into Ireland, offering him considerable prefer-
nient; and it is said he went into Ireland, but soon
letumed to England. || Indeed, such Was his distinguished
i^utation, that the most celebrated divines, both at
•
• The bishop, to rast the reproach of this from himself, proceeded
a^iut Mr. Cartwright, not in his own name, but in the name of theqaeeo ;
with which her majesty no sooner became acquainted, than she was greatly
bRCDsed against him. Aylmer, poor man ! to make up the breach, wrote to
ibe treasurer, entreating him to use his utmost endeavours to appease tha
qi»CB*B IndigDSLtion.—Strype's Whitgift, p. 295.—Strype'i jiylnur^p. 117.
■ + Strype's Annals, vol. iii. p. 340, 841.— Strype's Whitgift, p.2»5, «86.
i Clark's Lives, p. 19.
S The Earl of Warwick, who died of an ampotatioa of his leg, wte a
fMMNi^of "great sweetness of temper, and of unexceptionable character.
He waa aActioaate to his relations, kind to his domestics, and gratefal
to hit fHendi. He was called by the people, long before and after his
dcatli, Tbb good Earl of Warwick.— JUiog. Britan, vol. r. p. 448> 444;
Edit. 1TT8.
f Ki4pte»*s-MI. QoUw. Pi«f. p. 33.
148 LIVES OF THE PUEUTAKS.
borne and abroadi, frequently sought his adyioe in thi^^
most weighty matters.*
In the year 1583, Mr. Cartwright was eamesUy pressed
by many learned persons, to publish a refutation of the
<^ Rhemist Translation of the New Testament.'* Thit
translation being looked upon by all true protestants^ as a
work of a very dangerous tendency, designed to promote
the errors and superstitions of popery, most persons
wished it to be answered by the ablest pen that could be
found. And no man was thought so suitable to undertalDe
the laborious work as Mr. Cartwright. Indeed, the qaeei
applied to the learned Beza of Geneva, solicitiuff him to
undertake the answer ; but he modestly declinea, saYing,
she had a person in Iier own kingdom far better quali&dto
perform the work than himself; and deotarea that this
was Mr. Thomas Cartwright.f Sir Francis WaIsin|^iaoi,
who in this affiiir, as well as many others, was accounted tke
mouth and hana of the queen, wrote to Mr. Cartwr^iU,
earnestly entreating him to undertake the wori^ sending, it
the same time, one hundred pounds towards the expenie,
with assurance of sucli further assistance as he mi|U
afterwards deem necessary* The ministers €f London m
Suffolk, in like manner, urged him to undertake it. He
was also warmly solicited by some of the most learned and
celebrated divines of Cambridge.^ In their letter to him,
they express themselves in the following manner :-^" We
^^ are earnest with you, most reverend Cartwright, thatjoii'
'^ would set yourself against the unhallowed endeayoaiB of
<< these mischievous men, either by refuting, the whob
^^ book, or some part thereof. It is not for eveiy one
<< rashly to be thrust forth into the Lord^s battles ; but'sudi
<^ captains as are to be chosen from amongst David*!
*^ worthies, one of which, we acknowledge you to be, by
" the former battles undergone for the walls of our city,
** the church. We doubt not, if yon will enter this war,
^^ but that you, fighting for your conscience and countiy,
<< will be able to tread under foot the forces of the Jebnsitei,
" which set themselves to assault the tower of David. — Yaa
'^ see to what an honourable fight we invite you. Christ's
• Clark's Lives, p. 19.
f Dnriog Mr. Cartwrigbt's exile, travelliof to Geoenh be becMi
particttlarly intimate with Beza; who, at that time, writing toi hit Mad
in England, gave him the followiiig character : '* Here is now with « joir
** countryman, Thomas Cartwright^ than whom, 1 thinly the sun docli not
** see a more learned man/' — Ibid, p. 18, 19.
t Fuller's Church Hist. b. iz. p. ni.---Sirype*0 Whitgift»p. «63,9M.
CARTWRIGHT. 149
f ^ business shall be undertaken against Satan's champions.
** We stir you up to fight the battles of the Lord, where
f^ the Yictoiy is certain, and which the triumph and applause
ff of angels will ensue. Our prayers shall never be wanting
ff to vou. Christ, without doubt^ whose cause you defendi
f^ will be present with you. The Lord Jesus mudh
*^, increase your courage and strength, and keep yoi^ very
ff long in safety for his church's good."* From all these
jollcitaiions, Mr. Cartwright was at length induced to
iuidertake the laudable and arduous work ; and having once
filtered upon it, he spared no pains to carry it on to
perfection. But, marvellous as it will appear to all
posterity, Archbishop Whitgift, by his own sovereign
authority, forbade him to proceed. f Mr. Caitwright
meekly cJbeyed the tyrannical prohibition. The book was
Ml. unfinished^ to the unspeakable regret of the learned
inpild, but to tlue lasting reproach of the archbis;hop, and was
*ii0t published till the y^ar 1618. Fuller says, Mr.
Jpartwright perfected the work to the seventeenth chapter
lif Reirdation. But the excellent performance being laid
•fislde manv years, became in part mouse eaten ; and was
jpU published till the above year. Notwithstanding these
Ifefects, says he, it is so complete a refutation, that the
jtlbemists durst never answer it.t
• . Mr. Cartwright was severely persecuted on account of
Ms nonconformity. Although his hospital at Warwick was
exempt from the jurisdiction of the prelates, their out-
itr^ttmed and tyrannical power would not suffer him to
.jOijoy peace. He was accused to Bishop Frekeof Wor-
.oeikcar, a zealous ad vjooate^^^ the church,^ and summoned
Jtb ajqpear. in the consistory at Worcester, to answer such
charges as were alleged against him. Upon his appearance
liefore his lordship and others, he was addressed as follows :
r7^ Mr. Cartwright, you are here accused of disturbing
Hie peace and quietness of the church, by innovations, and
dbtniding fancies and devices of your own or others. You
Inve brought over with you the dregs of Geneva, whereby
. you would instU into the minds of the queen's sutgects, that
yonr doctrine . is the only truth . to be embraced and
P Thii letter was sabscribed by Roger Goad, V^iniam WhiUker,
Hhnmu Crook, John Ireton, William Fulke, John Field, Nicholai Crane»
fiMloi Sutler, Richard Gardiner, William Cbarke, and othen, celebrated
Ibr their learning and piety.— C/arJi:*« Lives, p. SO. — LetUr prefixed to
CmrtwrigkVs IMutaiion,
f Strype's Whltgift, p. S53, 854. t Cbnrph Hiit. b. iz. p. 171, ITS.
J} WoiDd'i Athsas Ozon. sq\. i^ p^ 7SS.
150 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
entertained. 'You had best take heed, that yon nm not
upon the same rock, which the papists themsdves split
upon, and draw upon yourself the same penalty ordained
for those who alienate the hearts of the subjectB both from
their prince and rdi^on." To these accusations and
foul aspersions, Mr. Cartwright, with becoming' chrisliao
meekness, only said, << I have the word of Gm for ny
warrant, and the example of the reformed churches for h^
guide, in what I have done." Dr. Longworth, on this
occasion, boldly challenged him to a public disputationi
but Mr. Cartwright wisely declined. He waa, tLcrefiMPe,
dismissed without receiving any ecclesiastical censure.*
Mr. Cartwright was undoubtedly concerned for the
reformation of the church ; and he laboured, in the moiit
peaceable manner, to promote it to the utmost of hii
power. For the accomplishment of this ^eat obiect,^ he
joined with his brethren in their associations, and united
with them in perfecting and subscribing the " Book^ of
Discipline.'*f He was one of the heads in these BMsexniXes^
and was sometimes chosen moderator. Though, upon his
irelease frpm prison, he could not obtain his liberty ia
preach, but stdl continued under suspension, he omstantly
attended to his ministerial exerdse in his hoepital, and
£ reached occasionally at other places, particularly at
ianbury. His endeavours to carry on the English refoim-
ption towards perfection, were, considered as a violation of
established customs, and disobedience to the eccksi^siical
Jaws ; therefore, in the year 1590, he was summoned to
appear before the high commission. Previous to his
appearance before this terrible tribunal,he wrote the fpXkm^
ing excellent and generous letter, addressed <^ To the xigU
worshipful Mr. Puckering, one of her mi^jesty's Serjeants at
law :"t
" Having received Mr. Puckering's letter <m Wednesday,
I came no sooner with it : the cause hath been in patt i
strain of one of my legs, and in part the importunity of ay
friends, begging me to stay until I had gotten some abBitgr
of my leg, to travel with more commodity. And nan that
I am come to the town, I bring not the letter myself. The
cause is, that being sent for by a pursuivant, I was loath to
be attached before I had made my appearance Ifithoat
4ittachment, and that I might as it were be mine own
• Baker*! MS. Collec. Tol. zxviii. p. 443, 444.
+ Neal's Paritans, vol. i. p. 428.
t Baker*s MS. CoUec. vol. zr. p. 105, 100.
CAUTWRIGffiT. t61
Mntti^^ftiit: and partly also because I was Joath that your
mvour toward me should any way appear to any manner
tf hurt of youiSy and no. good of iminb.
. . ^ And now, good sU^ >CDnfessing>my6elf greatly, beholden
onto you in my behrif and the behalf of .nay wife, my
faupble desire is, that 1 may yet fiirther be.bd^Men unto
mil in the behalf of the .poor churdh at Warwick, that
ukely enough may be deprived of all manner of tolorablc
Ministty, b^h for the goiod of yoiir own family, which is
^f/xdlj and in r^ard of toth^ poor souls there : that if the
times will not bear us who are there J10W4 y^ tfieve may
lie flbcDe such provided, as, «diffiering in judgment fiiom ais,
9nfey notwithstanding, both in seme good skill and caxe^
proceed in the edification of >the oburoh, witliMit bitterness
wsjlirit against other poor men who acre 'othersidse. minded.
This I am bolder to«rave at your worship^s hand, as I
tadentknd, and was glad of, that die town hath 'chosen you
to the iec<ndership, which mtfy be la, singuhnr means of
vnidi^ooduiito Ihetewn, and amongst others, that
ndiich it pleased you to^k wkh me <£ This I was
dd to write in fear of being severed from doing any
service there, and yet not known to myself of any
Iveach of law, whereby 1 may be touclied. Only I fear
to be conunitted for refusing the oath .er officio taero* Thus
i iiunibly commend you to the gracious keeping and
U0Mii« of Gpd in Jesus Christ. May SO, 1590.
^< Yours to command in the Lbr^ ...
'1! ^< T^okAS CARTlPltlt}!!^''
Thus our divine prepared for.^be approachvig stornu
Xfe im tmtnediaJtel^ convened before the bigh commission^
JttdL'CiHt into prison.; "and, September 1st, in thos year,
iktriu^one articlesiwere exhibited against him, the substance
nf *TOich is the following :
2. That Mr. Cartwright, being lawfdllv made tdeaedw
according to the church of En^and, hath forsakien and
mumnGm Che same.
- S. That, to Bhew his yccdkcatpi of tins cfdUngi, be Jiath
obtained a new ordination in foreign parts, not according to
ilie4«WB ecclesiastical ot this realm.
. 3. That, by virtue of this vocation, he hath established
it Antwerp and Middleburg, a ceiiftain presbytery wad
aidciiliipi' ^eccVssiasticaL
4. That, by the said eldership, certain persons, beu^
Englishmen^ were ordained to be ministers, not accoiding
|p tb^lhiiii ^cplep)i|8ticHl of this realm.
15t LIVES. OF THE PURITANS.
b. That this ddership, so established, hath used eccle-
siastical ceosures.
6. That. the said Thomas Caitwright, in.his pnblic
ministnr there, hath not used the Book of Commoa nayer,
but bonformed to some of the foreign churches.
^ 7. That since his return Irom beyond seas, he hath pro-
mised, to the utmost of his power, to promote the peao^ of
the church*
8. That he, having no ministry in this church, and
-without any license, hath taken upon him to preadi at
Warwick and other places.
, 9. That at sundry times, he hath shewed his dislike of
the government of this church, and various parts of .the
liturgy ; and hath persuaded others to do the same.
10. That he hath traduced and spoken against the
bishops, and other governors of this charch.
11. That he hath such hatred against them, he bath
prayed publicly to this effect : ^^ B^use they who on^t
to be pillars in the church, do bend themselves agaimt
Christ, and his truth, O Lord, give us grace, and power, all
as one man, to set ourselves against them."
13. That at sundry times and places he hath spokea
against the laws, government, orders, prayers, and ooe-
monies.of the church.
! 13. That preaching at the baptism of one of Job
Throgmonton's children, he spoke much in justification,^
government by the eldership m every coogr^tion.
14. That he could not endure those who defended the
laws, government, and orders of the church.
15. That in his sermons at Warwick and dacwhm^
be hath often delivered many frivolous and: indiscreet
positions.
16. That by his persuasions, sundry persons refiised'io
give thanks after child-birth, accoiding to the onkr
prescribed.
17. That at sundry times, when he communicated at tho
liord's supper, he sate, or stood upon his feet, and pasoaded
others to do the same.
18. That before the bishop he spoke in justification of
these things ; and declared the Book of C^mm<m Prayer
was not es^blished by law.
19. That in contempt of the ecclesiastical authority,^le
hath preached since he was under the sentence: of .sos-
piension.
SO. That his man-iservant having abastaid child fathered
CARTWttlOHT. 15S
.^iipon him, he caused him to perfiwm penance, taking upon
him the authority of the ordinaiy.
*. SI. That he and some others have kept diyers public
fieuta, and have invited more to join them, without the
adthojity of* the queen.
• '£8. That since he came to Warwick, he hath caused
ABUich faction, by distinguishing the people into godly and
-profane.
r 23. That he doth know who were the writers, printers, or
dispersers of the writings mider the name of Martin Mar-
Pielate.
* S4f. That being asked his opinion of these books, he
•insinuated, that as the bishops would not amend by grave
-writings, it was meet they should be dealt with to their
fgreat shame and reproach.
25. That he penned or procured to be penned, all or
tome part, of- the book, entitled DisctpHna Ecclesice sacra
"Wrbo Dei descrij^a; and he recommended the same to the
jndgment and censure of others.
. 1^. That the said Thomas Cadwright and sundry others
have met in assemblies, termed synods, in London, Ojcfcnrd,
^CSambridge, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, &c.
^'87.: That at such synods, it hath been concluded|^^that
all ministers should subscribe the said ^^ Book o£ iJisci-
•pline," and be governed by it.
; 88. That at such synods, a moderator was by him and
-them chosen, according to the order of the said book.
' 89. That at such assemblies, he did, with others, dispute
upon <3ertain articles, and set down their determinations.
. 30. That he, with others, in an assembly at Cambridge,
.did conclude upon certain decrees, which were afterwa^dls
considered and allowed at Warwick.
I 31. That all the proceeding^ of such meeting have
;beeii set down, fi-om time to time, by the said Thomas
Cartwright and others.*
These articles are presented to the reader as a curious
"jpecimen of -the charges alleged against the puritans, that
he may judge of their evil nature and dangerous tendency.
Wa may suppose this long list of crimes contains all the
evil things that even his enemies could hiins a^inst him.^
They were exhibited against Mr. Cartwright by Bishop
•Aylmer and other commissioners, who required hun to take
the oath ex officio. He, indeed, offered to clear himself of
• Fnller's Cbnrch Hiif. b. iz. p. 108— SOS.
156 LIVES OF THE PURltANS.
The above prisoners, in answer to the charges broiigbt
against them, maintained, ^' .That their associations weie
^rery nsefiil, and not forbKlden by any law of the realm :— •
That they exercised no jurisdictioni nor moved any seditiooy
nor transacted any afiairs, inconsistent with their duty to
their prince, and the peace of the church: — That they had
agreed upon some regulations to render their ministry moie
profitable, but all was voluntary, and in breach of no law :— »
And as to the oath, they refused it, not in C(mtempt of the
court, but as contrary to the laws of God and natare.*'*^
fiut their answers proving unsatisfactory, they were sept
back to prison, where they continued two years without
any further process, or being admitted to.bail.
During their confinement in prison, Kinf James of Scot-
land, afterwards the inveterate enemy to &e puritanis, in a
letter to Queen Elizabeth, dated June 12, 1591, warmly
interceded for them. In this letter, the king most earnestly
requested her. majesty to shew favour to Mr. Curtwright
and his brethren, on account of their great learning and
fiuthiul travek in the gospel.f Mr. Uartwri^t himsdl^
being exceedingly afHicted with the gout and sciatica, which
were much increased by lying in a cold prison, petitioned for
fais liberty. He wrote a most bumble and pious letior lo
I^ady Russel, and another to Treasurer Buridgh, ~
them to intercede with the queen for his enlargement, 4
it were upon bond. He expressed, on this occanOn,
very great concern, that her majesty should be so highfy
otEsmed at him, seeing he had printed no books for the last
thirteen years, that could give the least uneasinesB; aod
having already declared his dislike of Martin Mar-Prelate^
and tmit he never had a hand in any of the bo(du wider Us
name, nor in any other satirical pamphlets; ai^l that in the
course of his ministry at Warwick, during the last fivd
years, he had avoided all controversy.^ Dr. Ckxid, Jhr.
Whitaker,. and other celebrated persons, wrote an ezcellentt
letter to the treasurer, in favour of the prisoners, eamesliy
beseeching that they might not be more hardly dealt wiA
than papists.^ After waiting six months Imiger, tliey pie*
suited a petition to the lords of the council, dated DeDUiiber
4, 1591, to:bc enlarged upon bail. They wrote, at die
same time, to the treasurer, with their request that he wovl4
• Baker'6 MS. CoUec. toI. xt. p. 148-^152,
+ Faller*8 Church Hist. b. i j. p. ^OS, 204.
i Slrype'8 Aonals. vol. iy. p. 48 — 53.
^ Strype*s Whitgift, AppeB.p. 135,.I66.
CARTWRIGHT. 157
forward it, assaring bim of their loyalty to the queen, and
their peaceable behaviour in the church. ^^ We doubt not,'*
*< Bay they, ^' but your lordship is sensible, that a yearns
<^ imprisonmoit and more, must strike deeper into our
<' healths, considering our manner of life, than a number of
^^ years to men of a different occupation. Your lordship
^ knows, that many papists, who deny the queen's supre-
'^'macy, have been enlarged ; whereas we have all sworn to
^ it; and if the govemment so require, are ready to take
'< the oath again. This petition was subscribe by th«
ibilowing ministers, all prisoners for the truth of Christ :
Thomas Cartwright, Edward Lord,
Humphrey Fenn, Edmund Snaps,
Andrew King, William Proudlove,
Daniel Wight, Melanchton Jewel.*
John Patne,
The prisoners also applied to the archbishop, who re*
fiiaed to consent to their enlargement, unless they would,
under their own hands, declare the church of EIngland to be
a true church ; that tl^ whole order of public prayers and
.ceremooies might be lawfully observed ; and renounce in
fhtme all their assemblies, classis, and synods, as unlawful
and seditious ; which they utterly declined.f These applica*
tioos piOYing ineffectual, they resolved at length to aadress
the queen herself; for which purpose they drew up a de-
cliumtioii, dated April, 1592, containing an impartial state-
ment of their case, and a full answer to the several charges
brought against them.) Notwithstanding all these endea-
vouTB, Mr. Cartwright did not obtain his release for some
time. But at length, by the favour of the archbishop, who
it was said, <^ feared the success of so tough a conflict fH he
was released upon promise of his quiet and peaceable be*
berionr, and restored to his hospital at Warwick, where h»
made his promise good,] and continued without further mo*
lestation the rest of his days. His fellow-prisoners were
ndeased most probably about the same time ; but of this we
luive obtained no certain information. It is, indeed, ob*
served of Mr. Cartwright and his brethren, << That it pleased
Grod so to order it, that those very witnesses who were
brought to accuse them, did so clear them, that they were
• Strype*! Annab, vol. !▼. p. 72, 73.
f Strype'i Wbitgift, p. S70i App«a. p. ISS— IM.
^ Strype*! Aooab, vol. i?. p. 85---01.
iFaller't CliorGh Hist. b. is. p. 20i.
P^vIb*s Wkitf ifl, p. 7«.
158 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
dismissed and'seut home, much more honoured and beloved
than before/'*
The pardon and release of Mn Cartwright and. his
brethren was procured of the queen, as Sir George Bank
asserts, by the intercession of Archbishop Whitgill. Jl^
also observes, that when Mr. Cartwright was freed from hdl
troubles, he often rispaired to the archbishop, who lased him
kindly, and for several years tolerated his preaching at
Warwick, upon his promise not to impugn the hiws, orders^
and government: of the church of LngkUid, but psomcit&^
JxAh publicly and privately, tlie estimation and'peace of tlM
same. With these terms, it* is said, he complied. Not*
withstanding, when the queen understood that he preached
again, though in a temperate manner, according to his pro*
mise, she would not permit him any longer without sub-
scription; and she was not a Uttlc displeased with the arch-
bishop for his past.connivance.f
l^hough Mr. Cartwright never groaned any more under
the iron rod of persecution, his cuaracter was afterwards
slanderously aspersed. Many writers of the episcopal
Eirty, have reproached him as being concerned with
acKet, Coppinger, and Arthin^n, in their mad conspiracy
and other singularities. This reproach was, however^
made abundantly manifest, to the great honour of Mr. Cart-
wright and his brethren, and the shame of their enemiies;
He published an '^ Apology" of himself, a^inst the slanders
of Dr. Sutcliff ; and, says my author, << I have Mr. Gsut^
Wright's own answer to Dr. Sutcliff, in manuscript, WbicH
doth so fully confute the shameful ^story of hisxonfederaqy
with these men, as will shame the slanderer to any impartial
reader.''^ Fuller himself acquits Mr. Cartwright wA his
brethren in these words : " True it is," says he, " they as
cordially detested Hacket's blasphemies, as any of the epis?
copal party; and such of them as loved Hacket the nonam"
formist, abhorred Hacket the heretic^ after he had mounted
to so high a pitch of impiety/'^
Mr. Cartwright, in his old age, was much afflicted wi^
the stone and gout, by lying in cold prisons ; yet he did not
i^linquish his public labours ; but continued to preach wlien^
with the utmost difficulty, he could scarcely creep into iip
pulpit. The Lord's day before his death, he preached hb
last sermon, from Eccl. xii. .7. — Then shall the dust return
to the earthy and the spirUishall return to God who gave d*
• Clark*! Uvea, p. 18. • + Faale's Whitgift, p. 70~^i.
t MS. Remarkt, p. 170. S CburcliUipt. b^ ix. p. SOS.
CARTWRIGHT. 150
The Tuesday morning following, after spending tiyo bourn
apon bis knees in private prayer, be signified to Mrs. Cart-^
wrigfat that he haa found unutterable joy and comfort, and
that Grod bad given bim a glimj^ of heaven before bis de-^
parture; and in a few hours be departed in peace, enjoying
the salvation of Jesus Christ He died December 27, 1603;
aged sixty-eight years.* His mortal remains were interred
in his own hospital at Warwick, when Mr. John Dod
preached his funeral sermon. He married the sister of th«
fiimous Mr. John Stubbs, whom he left to bemoan her paiii>i^
fill loss.
During the whole of his life, Mr. Cartwright was- ind^*
fiitigably laborious. He was a constant preacher when be
enjoyed his liberty. During his abode at Warwick, besides
taking the most exact care of the hospital, he often preached
at both die churches on the Lords day, and at one off
them, on the Saturday. This he did without receivin|f
any reward for his services. It does not, therefore^
appear very probable, that before his death be was grown
rtchj as some of our historians insinuate ;f especially as the
income, of his hospital was only about one hundred pounds
aryear. • Indeed, ne was not concerned to be rich in thit
world. For. when he was. preacher to the merchants at
Antwerp^ and found by their losses that their estates were
decreased, he returned them the salary which they allowed
him. And when he was a prisoner in the Fleet, a present
of thirty pounds was sent him by one of the nobility, but he
todk only ten shillings, returning the rest to the donor, with
Huiny thankful adknowledgments. Also, when the Earl of
Leicester ofiered him the provostship of Eton college, say*
ing, it was one hundred pounds more than enough, besides
the conveniency of the place ; Mr. Gaitwright replied, ^^ that
the hundred pounds more than enough was enough for bim.^f
Few persons whose names are handed down to posterity
hove beien treated by party historians with greater misre^
presentation and abuse. Some of them have vaitured to inti^^
mate, that before bis death be changed his sentiments about
nonconformity ; for which, however, there is no certain evi*
dence; at least, they have produced none. Dugdale call^l
ham tfauB standaid-bearer of the puritans, and says, he was the
first in the church of England, who began to pray extem-
pore before sermon* Mr. Strype very unjustly denominates
« Clark^sLives, p. SI.
4- Fuller*! Charch Hist. b. z. p. 2.— Chartoo*s Life of Nowell, p. 916.
t Clark's Livei, p. 18— SI .
160 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
bim, <^ the first broacher of piuitianisin."* Mr. Clark^ wW
treats his memory with great impartiality, says, >< he was 0
hard student, cootinuing his assiduity and close applicatiQiif
to the end of his days. Although, on account of exaessivtl
pains and bodUy infirmities, be was obliged, towards the
close of life, to study continually upon his Knees, he rose ak
usual, at three o^clock in the morning; which practice h^
continued to the last. His humility and meekness weienail
the least conspicuous features in his character. He was fin
from courting the applause of men ; nor could he endnie tid
hear himself commended, or to hear any titles ascribed tc
himself, which at all savoured of ambition. Though be
was uncommonly popular, he did not seek popularity, but
laboured to avoid it as much as possible. With these
thoughts of himself, it is added, he could not endureta.
hear even his adversaries reproached ; and if any pmBom,
spoke disgracefully of them in his presence, he . wouU
sharply reprove them, saying, ^ It is a christian's dntyly
pray for his enemies, and not to reproach them.' "f Vnf|^
what degree of truth then does a late writer assert, <^ thatljk
was highly conceited of his own talents and learning l'!|
Indeed, his highest ambition was to debase himselt^ moA Ift
advance the ^ory and kingdom of Jesus Christ He lOM
an acute disputant, an acfmired preacher, and eminenHlf.
liberal, especially to poor scholars ; and, says Fuller, ^,it
was most pious ana strict in his convenation, a vm
Latinist, an accurate Grecian, an exact Hebrean^ anioyiK
short, a most excellent scholar."^ . •;; <
Notwithstanding all these excellent .qualifications^ U
piety, his learning, and his good sense are most wana^
censured by a modem writer. He charges Mr. Cartwri^
in his correspondence with Sir Michael Hickes, with sayug,
^^ that prayer was as it were a bunch of k^s, whereby ne
g 9 to all the treasures and storehouses of the Lord; Ml
utteries, his pantries, his cellars, his wardrobe.? Mr. GhIU
Wright might use these words in a familiar correspcmdcoeef
aniT what does it prove? This, it is readily admitted, wii
too much the taste of those times : but our author makif
ahnost every 4;hing that is bad of these few words. Foctt
immediately bredu forth into a strain of most triumphMl
: iff
• Stripe's Whit^ift, p; 554.— Fuller*! Cbarch Hiit; b. z. p. S.— DvgdiMI
Aotiq. of Warwiduhire, vol. i. p. 443. Edit. 1780.— Scry pc*s PwfcflTi
Pref. p. 6.
f Clark's Liv«f^ p. 1»H21. t Chnrton's Uie of Nowdl, p.^Uft
S Ckarch Hiit. b. z. p. 8.
CARTWRIGHT. 1«1
iBtenonlion, saying, ^^ Does fiinaticisBi cxtin^ruiNh aU UMt
and juugiuent? or is it only in minds original i^ i^x^ak* tliai
the infection can fix itself? Which ever ^-av the reader
nay solve the problem, he wiU naturally aslu \l*as this (he
man that was to improve what had been done by Cranmer
and Ridley, by Parker and Nowell, and their <>nadjtttat« ?
to give us a form of worship more pure and edifyinj^, nxH^
dignified and devout ?'* But this eloquent calunmiaior does
jttt stop here. lie felt the poetic flame arise ; and theivfoir
Jamediately asks,*
** Is this the region, this the soil, this the clime.
That wc mniit change for heaven T this mournliil gtoom
For that celestial light T
We do confess, that so much bombast, scurrility, and
hue-faced misrepresentation were scarcely ever found
within so small a compass. The reader will at the sune
time easihrperceiyc, tliat the whole is designed to extol the
church of Edigland, if not above perfection, at least beyond
the possibility of amendment ; and to blacken the character
and displace the memory of that man, who was justly
esteemed one of the most celebrated divines of the age in
lAich he lived. But whether the treatment which Mr.
Cartwrigbt received, was not extremely unjust and cruel ;
and wb^ber it does not stand as a monument of lasting'
reproach to those prelates who took an active part in pro-
moting it, is left with every impartial reader to judge. Dr.
Thomas Cartwright, bishop of Chester in the reign of
James II., and who went the most uifamous lengths in sup-
port of that monarch's measures, is thought, with some ap«
peanmce of probability, to have been the grandson of our
nnioasparLtaii.-f
. Bk WoBSJ, in addition to those whose tiUes have been already
iNcirf^i. A Brief Apulo^' ai^ainst all such Slanderous AccuMatkini
^Ufitmaelk Mr. Sutclifl', in hU iMOuplilettt, moti iiijuriuuHly to load
fawtth, 1S0C.— 2. A Body of Divinity, WW.-^. A Cuiil'utatioii of
tke UmM* Traaalatioii, Olowies, and Auuotalions on the New
i0l(l«— 4. Cummentaria practica iu tutain JliKtorlam
^aatotiriivaiigeiiitlik Larmonire coiK-iiiJiatani. MViO.
of tius work wah urintcd at Auislfrdarii, iu (017,
Evai]||;eUca, Commf.'iitario. (Uiahlicri, rtj«'U^
■itrata, fac^/J — 5. Crmim^'r-Vdiii 'su«-«iii«ii ^c
I, M88^-^. M«.'Ulphra^i^ tw liotnihv' in
k, 1047 ■ -7. 01ooM;fc jmd
IblfflU t IM p. Wj
I«S LIVES OF THE PUNTANS.
Bdward Philips, A.^M.^ — ^Tbis lealons pwitaB '
educated in Pembroke ocdkge, Oxford. Attenmds ht
settled in London, and became preacher at St. SaTionrX
Southwark, wheie be had a large congregaiioD, mostly pa*
sons of puritan principles, bj whom, savi Wood, w wss
esteemed ^< a person zealous for the tmth of God, pivwcr*
ful in his calling, faithful in his ministry, careful of his flock,
peaceable and blameless in his life, and 'constant and con-
fertable in his death.'* And suiely the people of his own
particular charge were as likely to know these thincs as-tirf
others. Our author denominates him a zealous GalYinist,
an avpwed enemy to popery, and constantly bboriout in the
propagation of puritanism and practical religieo.*
His excellent endowments were not, indeed, a suflicieDt
protection a^inst the oppressions of the times. For^ inths
year 1596, he was cited before Archbishop Whiteift and
other high commissioners, wlien he was suspended nom hu
ministry and committed to the Gatehouse. The crimes far
which he was thus .punished, were contained in the fidlow*
ing articles : — 1. <^ That he broke the order appmnted, bj
preaching on a Thursday y instead of Wednesday^ which was
appointed to be observed as a day of fasting and prayer.—
9. That by preaching on Thursday, he turned a daif of le*
joicing and feasting mto a day of mourning and absonence;
which, by hindering hospitality, made the case wme.—
S. Hiat be continued the service much too tongj even jBromnine
o'clock till one.— 4. That as soon asrthe service was cndedi
he very schismatically led many people to hear Mr. Qiown;
ham's sermon. — ^5. That he agreed with Mr. Downham to
keep his exercise with festing in die afternoon.'^ ^Tfafsc
were the marvellous charges au^ged against him, for y^iiA
he met with the above oppressive treatment. Ourleaiiied
htslorian, indeed, says, <^ It is but jiut to observe, AatHr.
Philip did observe the Wednesday j only he preached on
the Thursday, because, being his regular lecture day, he vas
likely to have a larger congr^tion: that he went not to
Mr. Downham's church till an Sour and a half after he lied
finished at his own : that when he went he had onl v the
company of Mrs. Ratcliff mid his fellow minister, and bsth
their wives ; and that he did not persuade Mr. Downhamio
keep his exercise in the afternoon; but he had purposed w
to do, even before he spoke to him about it, as Mr. Dowv*
ham himself confessed before the hieh commissianeni*'^^ '
♦ Wood's Atbenae Oxon. voLI. p. STO, S71.
+ Sirype'g Wbitgift, p. 400, 491.
.: % PHII^IPS— MIDGLEY. i 163
¥nm tbk impeitial statement, it may be doubted M4iether
io^escoeUeiit and useful a ndnister of Christ was ever sus-
Imided and cast into prison upon such trivial and ridiculous
chugiBB before*
rt It does not appear how l(nig the good man continued in
lk«lftte' of confinement. If his persecutors considered the
^bUre charges so dangerous to the episcopal authority and
ihe charch c^ England, as to justify their proceedings, he
njgiit remain a lopg time. He died about the year 1603.
Mr. Philips most probably never published any thing him-
self; but after his death, in 1605, Sir Henry Yelverton,
afterwards judge, who having been his coiistant hearer, had
taken down some of his sermons as they were delivered,
mblished a tolunfe, entitled, ^' Two and tirirty godly and
feuned Sermons."*
jt ■
'. .(Mr. Midgley was many years vicar of Rochdale in
Lancashire, and a man of high reputation in his tiine. He
ia denmninated a grave and godly minister, whose praise
was -ifreat in the gospeLf In the year 1585, he was ap-
poiiit^ by the Bishop of Chester, to be one of the modera-
ton of -thd religious exercises in that diocese.} He was
gKffOy admired and beloved by the puritans. Dr. Chad-
oMon maide mention of him, at the Hampton-court con-
jcnotee, in 1603. He requested on that occasion, that the
Hearing of the surplice, and the use of the cross in baptism,
niffbt not be urged upon certain ministers in Lancashire,
and paiticularly upon the vicar of Rochdale. The request
WA no sooner presented, than Archbishop Whitgift replied,
Mtylng, '^ You could not have light upon a worse. For not
lAaoy years ago it was proved l^fore me, that by his irre-
}rereiit usage of the eucharist, in dealing the bread out of a
fmsk^if every one putting in his hand and taking out a
pfeoe, .be noade many loathe the communion, and refuse to
ONne to church."^ His grace in this statement was certainly
miitaken. It could not be Mr. Midgley 's ^^ irreverent usage
<f 'the eucharist,*' in the way described, but their own igno-
nnoe, bigotry, and superstition, which produced those evils.
jjl Bfr* Imdgley was the pious and laborious minister of
fUiebdale nearly fifty years, and is said to have been instru-
* Wood's AtheosD Oxon. vol. i. p. 277.
"f Clark*8 Lives aonexed to Martyrologip, p. 68.
1 Strype's AoDals, toI. ii. Appen. p. 75.
S Fbller*! Cburch Hist. b. x. p. SO.
164 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
inental in ibe conrersion of thousands of soob; yet he mi
silenced and deprived by the Bishop of ChesCiCT for noooim*
formity.* He was the happy means in the conyenion €€
Mr. Richard Rothwell, another worthy puritan diyhie.
Mr. Jdidgley's son was also vicar of Rochdale, and a man of
distinguished eminence. He presented <^ The Abridppmut
of the Lincolnshire Ministers' Reasons'* to Bishop BwrtoiL
who afterwards puUished an answer to it. Both rather and
son were deprived for nonconformity. The latter, afber hiit
deprivation, turned physician, and was afierwaida pioae?
cuted for refusing to kneel at the sacrament, t
William Hubbock, A. M. — He was bom in the caaaij
of Durham, in the year 1560, and educated first in Mag'
dalen-hall, then in Corpus Christi collie, Oxford. After*
wards entering upon the sacred function, says the Oxfind
historian, he was in great repute for his learning ;t and '^ he
jnight have added, that he was a divine of distinguished
worth, on account of his .christian piety, his excelkttt!
preaching, and his manifold labours ; and that he was lugUj
esteemed and admired by some of the most worthy pcfr
sons in the nation. Mr. Strype denominates him one of
Mr. Cartwrighf s fraternity, yet a modest nonconfonnisit. '
^ In the year 1590, Mr. Hubbock was cited before Aick*
bishop Whitgift, and other high commissioners, at Lombetlii
when he was charged with having preached a sennani «t
Oxford, in which he made some reflections upon a certaxBi
great person (this was the archbishop,) which the cmttmi^^
sioners held to be undutiful and seditious. He was thensfixe
required, as a just punishment of his crime, to enter into
bonds that he would preach no more, nor come again .wjthio
. ten miles of Oxford. Upon the proposal of these demand^
he thus replied, in the presence of hisju^^ees: << I cannot^
with a safe conscience, enter into any such bondsjuor do
any thing by which I should willingly exclude myself 'fiom
ihe exercise of my ministry. Nevfsrtheless, if I must betiiit
to silence, I had rather be committed to prison, than ihos
silence myself; especially unless I had committed. -sioivt
faiSt, by preai^iiig some false doctrine, or by pubUahlpK
some offence, for which I justly deseryed to be puniahtt).
Whitgift;, at the same time^ required him to subscribe, siff-
^fy^y ^^U ^ be would comply, he should be disniusM,
• Borges*! Aatwer Rijoinedy p. S18. Edit. IHSI.
f PHet*i Defeocey Flrtf. i Wood*i Athems Oiob. ?o1. !• p. 881.
«
HUBBOCK. 165
and his troubles endeck Bat the good man refused sub-
abt^tfton, as urell as entering into bonds; and, accordingljr,
ttioeived the ecclesiastical censure.*
' , In Ibis state of perplexity and distress, Mr. Hubbock
inade application to Sir Francis Knollys; who, most
Wifndj. espousing his cause, immediately, wrote to the Lord
xtoaunn^r Burleigh, recommending his distressing case to
Uir IcH]Gbhip*s consideration. But the zealous intercessions of
uicse great statesmen were of no avail whatever. Whitgift
sbd his brethren had passed a decree against Mr. Hubbock,
ivbfch, like the laws of the Medes and Persians, could not
be altered. With this decree, however, the treasurer was
much displeased. Though our learned historian has
altogether failed in saying what the decree was, we may
cftnJj conjecture, that, as it proceeded from Lambeth, and
'wni a^inst a divine of puritan principles, it savoured not
of the things of Jesus Christ.
. 'Bbt tlie treasurer did not immediately relinquish the cause
qf this imuiied servant of Christ. One repulse frpm the arch-
HfailiOp- did not discourage him. Beholding the severity
wlBk indhioh the good man was treated, he still took his part,
fhA lyiote again to the archbishop, boldly declaring, '^ That
w* Hobbbck had committed no offence, only he had said
in his sermon, that a great nobleman (meaning the arch-.
bishop) had kneeled down to her majesty^ for staying and
hhtderittg, her intent to reform religion.^' Sir Francis Knollys
illfay wrote again to the treasurer in these words: ^< Vou
)di€iw how greatly and how tyrannically the archbishop
Jfarth jurgcd subscriptidn to his own articles without law ; and
llia^ lu^T^as claimed a right of superiority in the bishops
ifferfhe inferior clergy, from God's pwa prdinance, to the
great injury of her majesty's supreme government. Though
at preset he does nqi profess to clai[n it ; yet I think he
mi^t openly to retract it."f
l!pe worthy endeavours of these illustrious statesmen
pfcrred altogether ineffectual. The iiiflexible prelates
"tliAiild not uter their . purpose. The ^ood man cpn-
fi$i|ed qnder the sentence of his spirituq.1 judfes ; but how
Idbgi or whether he was ever restored, pur niaterials fail to
ittofcd sufficient information. Mr. Hubbock published
^An Oiation Gratulatory upon King Japies's Coronation,"
IfKM; and several sermons.
> Strjpe'i Wkit|;irt, p. 841. f Ibid. p. 841, S4S,
166 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Thomah Carew Has bom of (he ancient and "worthy
femily of his name in Cornwall, educated in the unrveisity
of Oxford, and, entering upon the sacred function^ became
a frequent and zealous preacher. He received ordination
from the Bishop of Worcester, and \?as licensed by Arch-
bishop Grindal and Bishop Aylmer, from whom, on
account of his excellent preaching, he received high com-
mendations. He afterwards became minister at Haitfidd
Peverel, in Essex; but having acquainted the bishop by
letter, that in the county of Essex, within the compass of
sixteen miles, there were twenty-two nonresidents, thirty
insufhcicnt and scandalous ministers, and, at the same time,
nineteen ministers silenced for refusing subscription, Ms
lordship, instead of being pleased with the information,
convened Mr. Carew before the high commi^on, and
charged him, without the smallest evidence, with setting up
a presbytery, and contenming ecclesiastical censures. It
was further alleged against him, ^< That he was chpseq'by
the people; that he had defaced the Book of Conunoti
Prayer ; that he denied that Christ descended into tbe
regions of the danmed ; and that he kept persons from fle
conununion, when there was more need to allure them to
it."* These charges beu3g brought against him, the bislic^
;to make short of it, tendered him the oath ex officio; upon
the refusal of which ]Vfr. Carew was immediately committed
to the Fleet, and another minister sent to supply the phce.
ttis successor was soon found guilty of adultery; and
when the parishioners petitioned Bi^op Aylmer for his
removal, and the restoration of their former minister, Ids
frace said, ^^ That he would not, for all the living lit
ad, put a poor man out of his living for the fiict cf
adultery."f
Mr. Carew having left an account of his troubles^ Hi ifi
hear him speak for himself. " The bishop," says he, ** fiirt
granted me a license to preach, and much commended mj
preaching; but afterwards^ upon the complaint of sedMt
.enemies, lie sent for me, and took it from ine. Befbrei Iluid
been at Hatfield above seven weeks, because I woiiild not
wear the surplice, he suspended me, and I continued under
suspension half a year. My parishioners were at coilsidh';-
able expense and trouble in presenting many supplicqtiQns
unto him, that I might be released from suspension and
restored to my ministry, but without success. Afterwards
* ■ * ^
« MS. Register, p. 651, 652.— Strype's Aylmer, p. 180, 181.
-f MS. Regiiter, p. 659, 654.
CAREW. 167
I' weot to his lonkhip mrself, to know the reasons of his
diipleasure; and when I said I would yield in all things
acrording to the word of God, he replied, < That addition,
according to the word of God, is your knavish trick; but
jrcm shall observe all things.^ At length," says Mr. Carew,
5< ia about a tweWemonth after, by the kind favour of one
^Ji0 was intimate with the bjshop, my liberty was obtained,
lifeverthdiess, by further, complaints of known enemies, I
jnm again suspended; ^d after I was cleared by my
judges, I obtained my release from suspension. Soon after
this, I was again brought into trouble ; and refusing to fake
ihe oath to answer their articles against myseU^ I was
ixmmutted to the Fleet."* His commitment was dated
November 16, 1585.
Mr. Carew, and Mr. AU^, his patron, were both com-
;aaitted to prison at the same time. They both offered bail,
-iHit it iras refused. Afterwards, it was offered them by the
Ixtthon, /Upon these conditions : ^^ That Allen, the patron,
woula not disturb the minister who was appointed to preach
jfljeie, nor disquiet him in reading the service ; and that
ICr. Calvw would prea<;h no more in his diocese, without a
^irflier lioense/'f These conditions did nol^ however,
aeet their approbation. During their imprisonment in the
fjlee^ 'Hba. Clarew presented a supplication to the queen, for
ihe idease of her husband, in which she addressed her
JDDqcsty as follows : — << This most humbly beseecheth your
jVnost royal majesty, to relieve the distrained state of your
foot hai^nmid, who sueth to your highness in behalf of
Aer husband, a minister of the gospel, who hath been
apcused by certain papists, and who incensed the Bishop of
l^ondoh Mainst him. And for refusing to subscribe to two
of thearcmbishop'fl articles, which appear to him to be con*
to iheword of God and the laws of the realm, the bishiqp
.liatB suspended, deprived, and twice committed him to
miai(fik ; and hath now a third time conunitted him, because
Be,jf uiiwillii^ to give up preaching till the bishop license
Jm^. . Whereforo, I heartily beseech your majesty, that
jnoOtiriU flet my. husband ai liberty ; that, by preaching the
word, he may fiirther instruct the people now to pray for
rtfae. present peace and. everlasting felicity *of ycKii most
''C»beilent inij^y.''}: ^
Mr: Cardw and his worthy patron, having suffered impri*
souQcot for some time, made application to the privy council,
• MS. Regiiter, p. 653—655. f Strype*s Ajflmer, p. Ilil, 18S.
t MS. Rciiiter, p. 6S8» 650.
168 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
and ivere both released from prison. This so greatly dia-
pleued Bishop AyUner, thai he sent to the council a Tiefy
BD&y letter, calling the prisoners hunes^ rebds^ ratee&j
ftmsj petty gentlemen^ precisionsy &c. ;» and told their
Donours, iiiat if such men were countenanced, he mint
yield up his authority. But the bishop never left our pious
divine till he bad hunted him out of his diocese, f Mn
Carew was author of ^^ Several Sennons/' 1603; iemd
<< Four Godly Sermons/' 1605. He was living at Uie
period last mentioned.
George Co RYAT, B. D. — ^He was bom at Salisbury^
educated in grammar leamine at Wickham school, and
admitted perpetual fellow of New College, Oxford. Jn the
year 1566, when Que^ Elizabeth visited the university, he,^
together with Mr. William Rainolds, received her majesty
and her train at New CoU^ ; on that occasiim he de-
livered an oration, for whicn he received great apfdaiue
and a handsome purse of gold.t . He afterwards took Iris
degrees; and, in 1570, became rector of Odcomb,' in
Soidersetshire, where he continued to the end of his days.
In 1594, he was preferred to the prebend of Warthd, in
the cathedral of York. 'He was a perscm much admiied
for his refined taste in Latin poetry, and his excellent- phH
ductions are often quoted by the learned men of niqte
times. He died at Odcomb, March 6, 1606, and liis
remains were intened in the chancel of his own church.
Wood denominates him a most accomplished scholar, and
an excellent and admired poet ;^ but says, he was a poritaii,
and no true son of the church of England.) Mri Coiyat
had a son called Thomas, author of << Crudities ;^liaisfily
Sobled up in five Months Travels," and some other pieoes;
ut was a man of great eccentricity, having much learajni^
especially in the original and eastern languages,'but wanted
judgment. He travelled through a great ^But of Eumei
and the various countries of ue east, on foot; and :m»-
tinguished himself by walking nine hundred miles in ope
* While this tyraooical prelate abased and penecated .the plooi tfi ,
■sefol paritam with the ataost cruelty, be made his own porter ■ilBy^i'
PlAddiogtoo, who, io a few years, through blindness and old afe» bcM«
tnable to serve the cure.— S«ry|i0*« Aylmer^ p. 818, SIS.
f Strype*s Aylmer, p. 188.-- Neal's Hist, of Paritam, tqL I« p. M^ '
i Biog. Britan. vol. It. p. 873. Edit. 1778.
4 Wood's Hist, et AnUq. lib. ii. p. 141. . * |
I Wbad*0 AtbeoK Ozeo. vol. U p. 886, Sift, ... - ^ . H
/
\
CORYAT— TRIGGE— WYBURN. 169
Siir of shoes, which, as he infonns us^ he got mended at
lurich. He did not live, however, to complete hia travels,
but dUed at Surat in India.* He was* author ci-^^ Poemata
Vfttia Latina," 1611; wid '^ Descfiptio Angliae. Scotise;
&Hibemi»."
' Fbanois Trigge, a. M. — ^He was bom in Lincolnshire^
in the year 1544, and educated in University college,
Oxford, where he took his degrees. Aflerwalds, he entered
upon the christian ministry, and became rector of Welbom,
near Buckingham. He was the founder of the public
library at Grantham in Lincolnshire, on the wall of which
18 a Latin inscription descriptive of his great charity and
other excellencies. He gave a certain sum to the town of
Grantham, to be distributed annually among its poor
inhabitants. He died May 12, 1606, aged sixty-two years ;
and his remains were interred in tlus chancel of Welbom
cbuich. Wood styles him a noted and godly preacher^
but a very strict puritan.t
Wb Works. — 1^ An Apology, shewing that the days wherein w«
livcf are more ^obd and blessed than those of our Forefathers, 1589. —
^L CkMnment m cap. 12. ad. Rom., 1500. — 3. Ck>mment. in Rev. S.
. 'JFttli^ UiOO.— 4. Analysis capitis 24 Evangelii secandnm Matthaeuim,
:1G9^«''=*^ A Sermon preached at Grantham, 1594. — 6. Touchstone of
SalboUc Faith, 1599.-- 7. The true Catholic formed, according to
le Troth of the Scriptures, 1602.
' Percival Wyburn, D. D. — The earliest account w«
'meet mth of this excellent divine, is in March, 1560, ^hea^
tjy an oyderfrom Qishop Grindal, he was ordained by
Iwhop Davies.t He was chosen proctor of the cathedral
of Rochester, in the convocation of 1562 ; when he sat in
'tkat learned assembly, and subscribed the articles of
.'rdmra.^ During the same year he became prebendary
' of iVestminster, and, the year following, vicar of St.
tt^pnlchre's, London.) The last he did not hold very ^
1(»g; for in 1564, being convened before Archbishop
Banier, and refusing subscription, he was sequestered and
wpnyei.t He remained under his lordship s censure till
* Wood's AthcBS Oxen. toI. i. p. 968— 362. -Granger's Biog. HitC
^e|L U. p. 35. . . f Wood's Atbenie, vol. i. p. 883, 284.
{8ti^pb*s Grindal, p. SO. S Strype's Annaliy toI. i. p. S90.
Newcoan's Repert. Eccl, TOl. I. p. 634.
I Sbype's erlndal, p. 98.
170 UYES OF THE PURITANS.
Ibe year 1567, at ^bich tinfe, because he was of tbe number
of those divines who were styled peaceaUe nonconfiMinistB,
be was treated with some decree of gentleness^ and ofateiied
(I license to preach; or, atTeast, a conniranoe to c#nturae
in the minist^.*
In the year 1571, he was again convened before the arch-
bishop and other' high commissioners, at Lambeth, when he
imderwent an examination. Mr. Christopher Goodman, Mr,
fldward Deering, and Mr. John Field, were convened at
the same time. Dr. Wybum, k^ther with his brethren^
E resented on this occasion the foUowing proposals to ihm
irdships : — 1. ^^ I am ready to.subscribe to the true christian
iaith, and the doctrine of the sacraments, as contained in
the Book of Articles^*— 8. As to the Book d Common
Prayer, appointed by public authority, it contains, even as
you confess yourselves, some imperfections ; and I confess
the same. Yet, that I may testify my great desire, of
brotherly concord, I will subscribe to the doctrine of fatith^
and administration of the sacraments, in the same bodi ; m
far as they make for edification, and are agreeable to the lore?
said .Book of Articles. — And, 3. As to the appard appointed,
because it seemeth not unto me to be sufficiently antboiizqd
by the word of Grod, for the ministers to be required to nsc
i^ I dare not use it, for fear of ofifence, humb^ beseechjag
your honours' consideration thereof. Yet I do not jndg^
or condemn others in using the same ; for to the Lord thejr
stand or fall, as I also do. Neither would I break the
unity of the christian faith, by withdrawing my duty from
preaching the truth and faith, as in the &6k of Aitielei
contained : to the end, that we may not go backwards, but
forwards to perfection."f It does not, however, appear
what was the result of his examination, or of tnese pro-
posals.
In the year 1573> Dr* Wybum, with many of hi^
l)rethren, was again brought before the high commissioiiy
and convened before the council, when certain articles were
{)resented to him, requiring his subscription, But,.afler:a
ong examination, refusing to subscribe, he was suspended
from preach ing4 About the same time, he wrote the"
excellent letter generally ascribed to him, in defence cf
'himself and his brethren, who were deprived by the arbi-
trary proceedings of. the prelates,^
«Strype'8Park«!r, p. 243,325,413. f.MS. Regi6ter;,p. 117.
i Newcbdrt's Itepert. Eccl. vol. i. p. 534.
S Parte of a Register, p. 1—12. '
BOUND. 171
Though it does not appear how long he continued under
Hie above suspension, he was afterwards restored to his
aiinifitfy, and was preacher at Rochester. In the jeat
I6SI9 he was one of the learned divines who were deemed
mc^t pn^r to dispute with the papists, and w^ n(^inated
for that purpose.* However, the peaceable exercise of his
millistly Was not of long continuance. The extended arms
of the high commissioners soon a^in laid hold of himi
He was again suspended, and continued under suspension
at least five years.f Towards the close of life, he preached
statedly at Battersea, near London, where, by a fall, he
btdke his leg, and was for some time disabled from attending
to the public duties of his ministry ; but had the assistance of
Mr. Richard Sedgwick, another puritan divine.j: He was a
learned and pious divine, a zealous enemy to popery, a
constant advocate for a further reformation, and a firm and
peaceable nonconformist. He died about the year 1606^
at an advanced ase.^ He sddom or never wore the hood
and surplice for t£e space of forty years.)
Nicholas Bound, D. D. — This learned and religious
divine wias educated at Cambridge, where he took his
degrees, and was afterwards beneficed at Norton in th^
county of Sufiblk. A divine of the same name was rect<^
of iVIckford in Essex ; but whether the same person, we
'€»mnot fully ascertain.^ In the year 1583, when subscription
to Whitgift's three articles was rigorously imposed upon the
deigy^ about sixty worthv ministers in Suffolk refused to
snb^Dribe^ and were, thererore, suspended from the ejl^ercise
of their ministry. Dr. Bound was one of those who received
tliis ecclesiastical censure.**
That which rendered him most famous, was the publi-
cation of his book, entitled " Sabathum veteris et novi
TeJstam^iti ; or, the true Doctrine of the Sabbath," aboiift
the year 1595. In this book, he maintained that the
seventh poxt of our time ought to be devoted to the
'service, of God ; that christians are bound to rest on the
Lord's day, as much as the Jews were on the M osaical
sabbath^ the commandment about rest being moral and
• Strypf^*8 Parker, Appen. p. 116. + MS* Register, p. 585* .
1 Ciark^t 'Lives annejced to Martyrologie, p. 158.
^ MS. Cbroiiology, vol. i. p. 129. (8. 1.)
I ^ood^ AtheDie Ozon. vol. i. p. 834.
1 Newcoart*8 Repert. Eccl. toI. ii. p. 656.
• • MS/ Ri^itter, p. 436, 487;
17f LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
perpetual ; and that it was not lawful for persons to follow
their studies or worldly business on that day, nor to user
such pleasures and recreations as were lawful on other daysi.;
The tx)ok soon obtained an extensive circulation, and iHror
duced a most pleasing reformation in many parts of tbe.
kingdom. The Lord s day, formerly proffmed by interr
ludes, may-games, morrice-dances, and other sports «£id
recreations, now began to be observed with greater' exact*
ness, especially in corporations,* " This doctrine," say* Jhi:
Heylin, '^ carrying such a }air shew of piety, at least in
the opinion of the common people, and such as did not
examine the true grounds of it, induced many to embrace
and defend it ; and, in a very little time, it became the mosi
bewitching erroTy and the most popular infatuation^ that
ever was embraced by the people or England !"f In this^
the zealous historian at once dis^vers what maI^ler of spirit
he was of.
Dr. Bound'^ book had not been long published before it
excited the enmity of persons of a contrary opinion,
especially among the ruling clergy. They exclaimed
against it, as putting a restramt upon christian liberty, as
putting too great a lustre upon the Lord's day, and' as
tending to eclipse the authority of the church in appointiajp
festivals. This was a shorter and an easier methcidc^ coqt
tending with an author, than by publishing an impartial
answer to his work. And, indeed, though there was sp
great an outcry' against the book, no one even attempted tp
publish • any sort of a reply for several years. The fii4
who took up his pen against it, was Mr. Thomas Roge&
in his ^< Exposition of the thirty-liine Articles." Id
.the preface he declared, << It is a comfort to my soul, and
will be to my dying hour, that I have been the mai^
and the means of bringing the Sabbatarian errors and
impieties to the light and knowledge of the state. "{ Bitt»
surely, it would have looked as well in a clergyman, airi
would hs^ve afforded him an equal degree of comfort Qn a
dying beid, if, instead of opposing an exact regard ii^
the sabbat|i, he; had spent hjs zeal in recommending a lelir
gious and holy observance of that day !§ *
' « FuUer's Cbarch Hist. b. ix. p. 227. f HejfHo*8 HNt. of Prei. p. S4d
i Fullef'^ Cburcb Hi^t. b. ix. p. 228.
^ Mr. Rogen was beneficed at HorpiDgibeath. ip Safiblk, and once a
professed puntap, wben be discovered bis zeal for nonconformity. Ift
1583, be was suspended for refosing subscription to Wbitgift't tbvM-
articles { but afterwards be altered bis mind, and became a sealoni tMn
formist,— IfS, H^^Uttr^ p. 43t.— TTpoiTt Mfuna: 0x0%, vol, I. p. ^}v
BOUND. ' 178
'Dr. Boimd might carry his doctrine too high by ad-
yaEncing the Lord's day in all respects to a perfect level
with the Jewish sabbath. But it was certainly unworthy
the character of divines, to encourage men in shooting,
fimdng, bowling, and other diversions on the Lord's day,
CBpeciaUy as they were sufficiently forward in such prac-
tices without the countenance and example of their spi-
ritual guides. Nevertheless, in the year 1599, Archbishop
WhitgijEt called in Dr. Bound's book, and conunanded that
it should not be r^rinted; and the year following, the
Lord Chief Justice Popham did the same. These, indeed,
were eood remedies, says Dr. Heylin, had they been soon
etiough applied: yet not so good as those which were
formeirly applied to Copping and Thac^er, who were
hanged at Bury, for spreading Brown's books against the
dmrch.* Did Dr. Bound then deserve to share the same
fiite, for writing in defence of the sabbath? This,
however, was the shortest way of refuting his arguments.
They both declared, that the doctrine of the sabbath agreed
neither with the doctrine of the church of England, nor
with the laws and orders of this kingdom; and that it
disturbed the peace of the church and commonwealth, and
tended to promote schism in the" one, and sedition in the
other.f JNothing, surely, could appear more absurd, or
more contrary to truth. Notwithstanding all tliis care and
labour to suppress the book, it was read and circulated in
private mdre tnan ever. Many persons who never heard of
it when printed, inquired for it when prohibited.
* Tbe archbishop's head had not lon^ been laid in the dust,
when Dr. Bound prepared his book lor another impression;
ttid in 1606, he published a second edition with large
additions. And, indeed, such was its reputation, . that
scMcely any comment or catechism was published by the
fltiioter' divines, for many years, in which the. morality
of the sabbath was not strongly recommended and enforced.}
But to counteract the influence of this Sabbatarian doctrine,
Abut twelve jrears after the above period, came forth the
Declaration for Sports upon the Lord's da v. This, having
the sanction of public authority, opened a flood-gate to
all- manner of licentiousness.
Hjs .WomL8,r-l. The.Holy Exercise of Fasting, in certain Homi-
fiet4Nr'SmBeiis, 1004. — ^2. A Storehouse of Comfort for the Afflicted
in. JSpiffit, in ^Tweniy^ne Sermons, 1604.— 3. The Unbelief of St.
Tbonas the Apostle laid open for Believers, 1608.
• !&nrlin*s TnctMf p. 491. f Strvpe'i Whitgift, p, 531.
t fWfier** Charch Hist. b. 1x. p. 9S9.
I7t LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Ekbchias Moblbt was minister tft Walsham in tbe
Willows in Suffolk, and afterwards at several other placesi
He was a zealous and laborious preacher, but suflfeied
numerous oppressions on account of his. nonconformity.
Mr. Morley has left a circumstantial account of the trouUct
he underwent, which it may not be improper to lay befiupe
the reader.
'' For three years," says he, " I have been so molested by
the commissary, that I could not remain to do the work of
God, for any long time in any one place. They SnX
arrested me by a warrant from the bishop, when they said,
I muat be bound to appear before him at Norwich by tm
o'clock next morning, or go to prison. The time appomted
being so very short, I yielded my body to the piisoD.
This was in the year 1582.
^^ Having obtained my liberty, I became minister of
Denton ; then the commissary caused an act of excpnunn-
nication to be entered against me, of which I had no
knowledge till about a week after. I then resorted to Dr.
Day, and desired he would not proceed against me, seeiiig
he had already done me so much injury. Therefore, afler
much entreaty, he promised that he. would not hinder melD
my ministry, and so gave the bis word to stay the examumvu*
cation. Notwithstanding this, in six weeks after my remefal
to Denton, he published an excommunication against me,
and jBixcd it upon, the door of the church at Walsham,
being unknovmto me, and fifteen miles from the jribiee ^
my abode. . Aftowards, I was arrested on the Lotd^s day in
(he church-yard, when the Lord^s supper was about to have
been administered. When the warrant was read, I told.the
<^cer, that I would remain in a bcmd of twenty ppiipd*
to appear the iiext day, which he utterly refosed. W^
a friend offered his bond of twenty pounds, he vefqied
this also. . And when my friends proposed to entle^ a
bond of three hundred pounds for m^ appearance tk
Xiext day, this in like manner was renlsed. As. I pit-
pared to go with him, he would have taken bond ; bat h
being i^orant of the law, refused fats offer, and, thenfyjOj
went with him to the high sheriff to Bury. Here notiung
was objected against me, only. I was bound over ib -ttt
assizes,
<< At the assizes, I was indicted for having deviated fion
the order of baptism, in baptizing a chud a 'low tine
before I left Walsham. In thb incuctment^ I:wds cuumd
with having said, < do t/ou forsake the deril?* inftead of
M0RLE7. ) 175
trying, ^.dost thou forsake the devil?'— -and < will you
kme this child baptized ia thi» faith ?' for < wilt thou be
iNqptiaBd in tfais-faitti V Upon the reading of the indictment,
the judge asked me what I had to saj why sentence should
Mllbe executed against me. I answered, that I had endured
ipaidfiiiaient already from the conmiissary. And when the
judge inquired whether I had been so punished, the com*
missary said I had ; but he did not know whether it was for
tius ems&oe^or some oth^* I was, therefore, committed to
prison."*
- In the year 1584, Mr. Alorley mad^ the following
MM>id>— ^< The first day of June was two years, I was
oommitted to the Clink, by the Archbishop and the Bishop
oC London. I was there confined seven weeks, and to this
hour, I know not for what cause. I was fetched by the
puisiomnt upwards of forty miles, which was attended
with great e^qiense, as well as hinderaiice of my usefulness,
i haive never received any recompence for false and
imjust imprisonment; neither can I obtain liberty to
use my ministry with a good conscience. So that I am
now ready to go a begging; yei^ if 'allowed, I might,
through the blessing of Grod, do some good to myself
and & aflUcted church of Christ, of which I am a poor
meaibiBi'. I
" EZECHIAS M0RLBY."+
It appears iroiu the above, that Mr. Morley was for a long
tiine suspended from the exercise of his ministry. After-
wards, being driven out of Norfolk, he preachea at Ridg^
well in Essex. And during the above year, warrants were
issued by Archbishop Whitgift, the Bishop of London,
«nd other ecclesiastical commissioners, requiring certain
hymea ta appear before them at St. PauFs, to prove
several charges against Mr. Morley. Upon their appear*
anoe before their lordships, they were required to answer
the f<dlowing articles of inquiry :
.'. 1. ."Do you, and all of you, know Ezechias Morley,
picacher ; and how long have you known him ?
! 9L." It is objected against you, that you have been at
jdivers preachings and lectures of the said Morley, in the
church of Ridgwell in Essex, since Easter.
3. '^ That you have often, or some times, been, within
theie V90 yean, at the said Morley's lectures, pieachings
«
• MS. Rifitter, p. MO-^HlSS. t Ibid.
176 LIVES OF-l'HE PURITANS.
and expositions, in some bouse or other place, oot of any
church or place appointed for public prayers. Where are
those places ? Who were present ? And how often haYC
you been ?
4. ^' That you did hear or know, that the churchwardens
of Ridgwell in !E^x, or some other who had authority so
to do, did give admonition and warning to the said Morley,
that he should not preach in the said church until he lilid
shewed sufficient license, and brought authority from the
ordinary so to do."*
Mr. Morley was convened, ^t the same time, and, for re-
fusing to subscribe, was obliged to enter into a bond of one
hunted pounds not to preach any more in the diocese of
Loodon.f But it does not appear what other hardships he
endured.
He beoune rector of Roding-Alta in Essex, July 23^
1601; but resigned it by death, previous to Febniaiy
18, 1607, when the next incumbent entered upon tbs
benefice.^
John Rainolds, D. D. — This celebrated divine wai
bom at Penhoe, near Exeter, in the year 1549, and educated
in Corpus Christi college, Oxford. At first he was i
zealous papist, and his brother William a professed protest-
ant; but engaging in conference and disputation, tlie
brothers, it is said, converted each other ; WiUiam becoftn-
ing a most inveterate papist, and John an avowed protest-
ant.^ The latter no sooner changed his views, than he
applied himself to the study of the holy scriptures, and
soon became a celebrated preacher.
In the year 1578, he was chosen to perform the two acts of •
the university, which gained hini great applause ; and the
£ear following was appointed to the reading of the sentences.
!y these exercises he was soon draiwn into the popish con<^ ' ,
troversy, when the papists sought to eclipse his reputation.' '
This did not in the least discourage him in his pursuits;
but, in order that he might be the better qualified for dis*
cussing this subject, he read, with indefatigable pains, all
the Greek and Latin fathers, and perused all the ancieni
records of the church he could meet with. By thestf
• MS. Register, p. 48a-^«2. + IbM. p. 14». "
1 Newcourt's Repert. Eccl. voL ii. p. 501.
S FbUer't Abd AedWiTns) p. 478, 479,
• t
^ i*iK-
RAINOLDS. Iff
Herculean labours, Be shdiily became so well acqiiainted
irith 'ihe elrors and superstitions of popery, that he vffka
ftccotliited a complete master of tlie controversy.
About this time, the famous John Hart, a zealous papist,*
had thie boldness to challenge all the learned men in the
natiotf, to try the doctrine of the church. No one was
Aonght better qualrfied to encounter the daring champion
than Rainolds ; who was, therefore, solicited by one or her
Biajesty's privy council. After several combats, the popish
antagonist was obliged to quit the field ; as appears front
lis bwn. letter written from the Tower.* This conference,
nbscribed by both parties, was afterwards published ; whick
gare abundant satisfaction to all unprejudiced readers, aiiH
80 neatly raised the fame of Rainolds, that he was immedi-
aUuv taken notice of at court. After taking his degrees in
divuiity, the queen appointed him divinity lecturer at
Oxf<Mra. In these lectures he encountered Bellarmine, the
Rnowned champion of the Romish church. Bellarmine was
public reader in the English seminary at Rome ; and as he
delivered hig popish sentiments, they were taken down and
H^ularly sent to Dr. Rainolds ; who from time to time com-
muted upon them, and refuted them at Oxford. Thus
fidlainune*8 books on controversy were answered, even
b^re they were printed.
We are informed, indeed, that this divinity lecture was
*^ up on purpose to widen the breach, and increase the
difeience betwixt the church of England and the church of
Home; and, to accomplish this design. Dr. Rainolds, a
violent anti-papist, was first placed in the chair. His lectures
^Kie numerousi V attended and highly applauded. But it is
AirUier observed, <^ that Dr. Rainolds made it his btisiness
^rcad against the hierarchy, and weaken the authority of
Uic Wshops."* How far this account is correct, we shall
M attempt to determine ; but the queen, hearing of his
It fiune, and his good services in opposing the church of
K referred him to a deanery in Lincoln, and even
im a bishopric. The latter he modestly refused^
diooBing an academical life rather than the riches and
Splendour of any ecclesiastical preferment whatever, t.
Dr. Btmcroft^ chaplain to Archbishop Whi^ifl, in a ser^
inopy. January 12, 1588, maintained^ '^ that bishops were a
• f%11cr*t Abdt RedivWas, p. 482.
f CoUler^t Eccl. Hist. vol. ii. p. 597.
tFidler't Abel Redivivoi, p. 482, 483.— Wood's Ackens Ozon. Tol. U
Toil. II. N
ITS uVes'of the puritans.
distifict order from priests ; and that they had a superiorify
over them by droine right, and directly from God." In
those times this Mras new and strange doctrine, even to.
churchmen themselves. Hitherto it had been maintained,
that all the superiority of bishops over pastors or presbv-
ters, was wholly of human appointment, devised in the
third or fourth century. WhQe his sermon was hiMj
gratifying to most of the ruling prelates, it gave great ofl^ice
to many of the clergy, and to all the friends of the puritans
at court. Sir Francis Knollys « told the archbishop, that
Bancroft's opinion was contrary to the command cf Christ,
who prohibited all superiority among the apostles. . fiot
this eentleman, not relying on his own judgmrait, requested
Dr. Rainolds to give his opinion of this new doctrine;
which he did in a letter at considerable lengths
Dr. Rainolds, in this letter, observes, ^^ that all who have
laboured in reforming the church, for five hundred years,
have taught that all pastors, whetlier they are entitled
bishops or priests, have equal authority ai|d vov^ci hj
God's word : As, the Waldenses, next Marulius ntavinm^
then Wickliffe and his scholars, afterwards Husse and (be
Hussites ; and Luther,' Calvin, Brentius, BuUingcT} vA
Musculus. Among ourselves, we have bishops, the queen's
professors of divinity, and other learned men : as, BiadfiNd,
Lambert, Jewel, Pilkinjgton, Humphrey, Fulke, Sec* But
why do I speak of particular persons? It is the cminioii of
the refcMTmed churches of Helvetia, Savoy, France, ScotlaDd,
Germany, Hungary, Poland, the Low Countries, and oar
own. I hope Dr. Bancroft will not say, that all these have
approved. that for sound doctrine, which was condemned
by the general consent of the whole church as lienstf ^ in
the most flourishing time. I hope he will acknowledge
that he was overseen, when he avouched the superiority of
bishops over the rest of the clergy, to be God*i ovm orSr
nancc^^f
About the year 1599, Dr. Rainolds gave up his d^j/aaaj
of Lincoln, and his mastership of Queen's college, when te
was chosen president of Corpus Christi college. Tho«i|^ B
the last situation he did not continue above eight years, bis
presidency was rendered eminently useful. In lOttS, be
* Sir Francis Knollys was one of ber majesty's privy comicilv a ■■■ ^
iistingaigbed learning and piety, a most able siateiniao, and a casstait
patron of tbe persecuted noncoDformists ; on Hrhich accomit he ups Bot «cU
esteemed by some of tbe prelates.— Faiflrr's AM RMd. p. ai&— Wtfi*
fiifig. vol. lii. p. 371.
f Strype's Whitglft, p. S99, !293.*-8trype'8 Annals, voU Ul*.p. 57T,«T8.
\
RAINOLDS. 179
was nominated one of the puritan divines to attend the
fMoference at Hampton-court. On the side of the episco-
palians, were Archbishop Whitgifi, eight bishops and eight
deans^ with the king at the head ; and on the side of the
Critans, were Dr. liainolds, Dr. Thomas Sparke, Mr.
wrence Cliadderton, and Mr. John Knewstubs, all no-
minated by the king.* Dr. Rainolds, in the name of his
hrethieiK humbly presented the following requests:
- 1. ^^ That the doctrine of the church might be presenred
pare, according to God's word.
S. ^< That good pastors might be planted in all churches,
to preach the same.
3. <* That church government might be sincerely minis-
tered, according to God's word.
4. " That the Book of Common Prayer might be fitted to
more increase of piety."
These requests contained all or most of what the chief
pmitans desued ; and however reasonable they may appear,
iiot.oiie of them was granted. When the puritan ministers
wished to discuss those things, for which they were pro-
fessedly called together, the kin^ would not allow them to
]lrooeed: but rising from his chair, he said, ^^ If this be all
^ ihat your party have to s^iy, I will make them conform,
* or I wiD hurnr them out of the land, or else do worse."
Theyweie much insulted, ridiculed, and laughed to scorn.f
Sir jBdwaid Pejrton confessed, that our divine and his
bteChien had not freedom of speech ; and finding' it of no
I to attempt a reply, they held their peace. t This con-
ence was therefore justly called. The mock conference
of Mampion^couri ; and, says the judicious historian, was
ODhr a blind to introduce episcopacy into Scotland.^
Li the year 1604, the king appointed Dr. Rainolds, on
acodiuil of his unconunon skill in Greek and Hebrew, to be
of the translators of the Bible ; but he did not live to
the work completed, y He was seized with the con-
iption of which he died, when in the midst of this labo-
undertaking ; yet he continued to afford his assistance
efen, to the last. During his sickness, his learned
. • nner't Church Hiat. b. ix. p. 7.--8tryp€'8 Whitgift, Appeo. p. »7.
i* FnUer's Charcb Hist. b. x. p. 19.— Barlow's Account, p. 170.
1 Neal'tPwltBiis,Tol. ii.p. 18.
S lUpiii's Hilt, of £Dg. Tol. H. p. 162.
I ThU wai the present aatborized translation, which his migesty com*
mmaA to the carie of forty-seven reverend and learned persons, divided
iMo aiz CMtpuies, to whom he cave the requisite iostroctions for the
mtk^BUg. mUm.yol. ii; p. 588. Edit. 1778.
<
180 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
biethren in Oxfonl met at hiis lodgings regularly once a
week, to compare and perfect their notes. This learned
man was thus employed in translating the word of life, e?eq
till he himself was translated to life everlasting.* -• ■
In his last sickness, all his time was spent in prajrer io
God, in hearing persons read, and in conferring with the
translators. He remained in a lingering state tillt AscensioR*
day, when he addressed his friends, saying, << I hoped to
have ascended on the very day of our Lord's aJscension;
but I shall stay with you a little l(»]^r,.in which flimf
I entreat you to read nothing to me, omy such chaptexft of
scripture as I shall appoint. t •: ft)
This reverend and learned divine, during his life, bad
been a famous opposer of the errors of popery ; and noW
upon his death-bed, the papists propagated scandalinis
reports concerning the nature of his commaint, and beffion
to insinuate that he now recanted. To coonteiact Siis
vile calumny, his friends desired him to give some testimoojp
of his faith, previous to his departure. This bein^ap signified
to him, he shook his head, and seemed mnch aftected^ibot
was not able to speak. His friends, obsorvi&g this, adoed
him whether a form might be drawn tip in Writing; tp
which Grod might enable him to set hi$ hand;- and Jie
signified, by certain signs, his full approbation. Then iJmj
drew up the following paper : — ^' These are to testify (p aS
<^ the world, that I die m the profession of. that feith whidi
^ I have taught all my life, both in my preaching andin
<^ my writings, with an assured hope pf my salvatusi, op^
^< by the merits of Christ my Saviour." — Thiis paper bshig
twice distinctly read to him, and having seriond j:. ]XM|*
dered every word of it himself, he put on his spectadtty
and subscribed his name in very fair characters.f Theda^
following, with his eyes lifted up to heaven, he breathed hii
soul into the hands of his dear Redeemer. He died 'May SI^
1607, in the sixty-eighth year of his age. His miAaini
were interred, with great funeral solemnity, in the eo|lce0
chapel,* beiog attended by the vice-chancell(nr, the hem
of ccAeges, and the mayor and aldermen of the city. J}rv
Henry Airay , the vice-chancellor, preached his fimeial
sermon; and Mr. Isaac Wake, the universijty dpraiol,}
• Faller's Abel Redivivus, p. 487, 488. + Ibid. p. 489.'
i Wake, is said to have been an elegant scholar, and no mean ojdM^'^
but King James thought Sleep of Cambridge much siiperior fo himf wbieh
occasioned his saying, <* That he was inclined to sleep, wbeb he j^iMt
Wake; and to vrake, when he heard Sleep.'*— Granxer^f l|l^. i^*'
f ol. i. p. 812. . *^ " - ■ - '
RAINOLDS. 181
delivered a funeral oration, in T^hich be gave him the fol-
lowin^f character :
** However others admired his knowledge, lowliness of
mind^ and incredible abstinence, in all which he excelled,
9B evjtti exceeded wonder ; yet I do, and ever shall, chiefly
admire his slitting and neglecting all ways of preferment.
Neither Luther, nor Calvin, nor Beza. nor Whitaker, caa
challei^ any honour which Rainolds nath not merited. I
caimot out exoeiedinglv congratulate our country, where he
was iMNTti, our mother the university , where he was educated,
and that most pregnant house or excellent wits, where he
learned 'the 'first rudiments cif most exquisite liteiature."*
Dr. Crackenthorp, his intimate acquaintance, gave this
acdoant of him: <^ He turned over all writers, profane,
ecdesiastical^ and divine ; and all the councils, fathers, and
historieft of the church. He was most excellent i|i au
tongues, useful or ornamental to a divine. He had a sharp
ana- ready wit, a •grave and mature judmient, and was
iodefii^ably industrious. He was so well skilled in all
iMs anosciefices, as if he had spent his whole life in each
Sifi^eoL And as to virtue, integrity^ pi^^J) <uid sanctity
of life he was so eminent and conspicuous, that to name
Rainolds is to commend virtue itself'f Bishop Hall used
to iBay, fS That Dr. Rainolds alone was a well->furnished
libnm fiill of all faculties, all studies, and all leam^ ;
an4 ^at his memory and reading were nearly a miracle.'*
And olir author adds, '' he was a prodigy in reading,
AnuMSB in doctrine, and the very treasury of erudition ;
and in a word, nothing can be spoken against him, only ihdk
lie was the piUar of puritanism^ and the grapd favourer of
mmamformkjf.^^t Indeed, Fuller insinuates, and Dr,
Cradkeyitjiorp laboured to prove, that he was not a puritan,
but an. exact conformist.^ In this, however, they have
mpvcid'UnsucceBsful. For, besides subscribing the ^' Book of
Puciuliue^" he utterly disapproved of certain ecclesiastical
(;i»ei^onies ; and tnough he wore the round cap as a
epBegUMf he refused wearing the clerical habits 4 Gnuiger
savs, tliat Dr. JK^tinolds was generally reputed the greatest
schcdar of His age and country : tliat his memory was so
retentive he hardly knew what it was to forget; that he
• FUlcr't Abel. Red. p. 496. f Ibid. p. 483, 484.
L Wood's AthensD Oxon. vol. i. p. 290.
FaUer's Cborcb Hist. b. x. p. 48. — Barksdale't RemeiobraDCCfr,
-il.. Edit. 1670.
~ 1 118. BoMTjU on Hilt. p. 88. (8.)
182 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
was esteemed a match for Bellarmine, the Goliah of 4lie
church of Rome ; and that he was styled a liying litvaiy^
or a third imiversity.*
His Works.— 1. Two Orations, 1576.— 2. Six Theses, 1679.-^
3. A Sermon on the Destruction of the Idumeans, 1584^-4 A
Sermon to the Scholars of the University, 1586. — 5. The Sum of a
Conference between *lohn Rainolds and John Hart, 1588.— 6. Dd
Romanae Ecclesias Idolatria, 1506. — 1, The Oyerthrow of Stage-'
5 lays, 1509. — 8. An Apologie of bis Theses, 1602. — 9. An Epistle to
'homas Pye, 1606.— la A Defence of the Judgment of the lUformfld
Churches, 1609. — 11. Censura Librorum Apocryphorum veteris '^es-
tamenti, 1611. — 12. The Prophcsic of Obadlah opened and applied*
1613. — 13. Letter to his Friend, concerning the Study of Divimty;
1613. — 14. Orationes Duodecem, 1638. — 15. The Discovery of 'tbe
Man of Sin, l&ll.— 16. A Letter to Sir Francis Knolljs, 1641.—
17. The Original of Bishops and Metropolitans briefly laid opeip
1641. — 18. Judgment concerning Episcopacy, 1641. — 19. The no*
phesie of Haggai interpreted and applied, 1649. — 20. Commentaiii
in tres bib. Aristot De Ketorica. — ^21. Answer to ^Hch. Sannden
his Books, De Schitmate Anglicano, in Defence of our ReformatMNP—
22. A Defence of our English Litui^ against Rob. Afowiio Ui
Schismatical Book. — ^23. A Treatise of the BeginniDg and PktimM
of the Popish Errors. — He also published seyeral TranidatiiHIs or the
works of other learned men. ' . *
Thomas Brightman was bom at Nottingham) in tbe
year 1556, and educated in Queen's college Candiri^gei
where he became fellow. Though he was a champion in
the cause of nonconformity, he did not despise toose of
the contrary sentiments, but was charitable to all who
differed from him in matters of discipline and ceremonies.f
Upon his leaving the university, he was presented by &
John Osboume, a man of ^reat learning and piety^ to the
rectory of Hawnes in Bedfordshire, where he sport the
remainder of his days in hard study, and a constant appli^
cation to his pastoral duties. Sir John was his cxMuUnt
find liberal benefactor. He ¥ras a man of a most annelical
life, and uncommon learning, which was .acknowtodged
even by his enemies. He lived so much under the infinenoe
of divine grace, that he was never known to be anffiy;
and always carried with him his Greek Testamen^ which
lie read through regularly once a fortnight. His dailv
conversation was a^inst the episcopal government, whidoi
he declared would shortly come dowu4 Though Mr.
• Biographteal HM. toI. i. p. SI 2.
f He is, by mistake, called William. ^JPViIbr'j FTarfUM, • part Hi
p. 619, aaO. % Faller'i Cborch HUt« b. z. p. 40| 50,
BRIGiBTMANoMAUNSEL. 188
Brightman wrote against the prelacy and ceremonies of flie
church, land subscribed the ^^ Book of Discipline,"* he was
no friend to separation. He published a ^^ Disputation
about Antichrist ;" a " Refutation of Bellarmine ;" a " Com-
mentary of the Song of Solomon;" and another on the
" Revelation of St. John." « This last," says Granger,
^ made a great noise in the world." In that book, he
makes Arcm)ishop Cranmer the angel haying power oyer
the fire, the Lord Cromwell the angel which came out of
(he temple cf heayen, haying the sharp sickle, and the
Lord Treasurer Cecil the angel of the waters, justifying
the pouring out the third yial. The church of £ngland
is the lukewarm church of Laodicea ; and the angel that God
loyed, is the anti-episcopal church of Geneya, and that of
Scotland : and the power of the prelacy is antichrist. In
the reign of Charles I. he adds, when the l)ishops were
ez|ielled the house of peers, and seyeral of them imprisoned,
Bn^htman was cried up for an inspired writer, and an
abndgnient of his book was printed in 1644, entitled <^ The
BevwUion of the Revelation. "+ He desired to die a sudden
death, 'and the Lord granted him his desire. He died very
tuddcaily, as he was travelling with Sir John Osboume in
his coach, with a book in his hand, August 24, 1607, aged
SR^^ooe years. Fuller has classed him among the learned
wnteiK^ of Queen's college, Cambridge^ He was a most
puMU^ laborious, and learned divine ; whom Mr. Cartwright
Vied to dencnninate '^ the bright star in the church of
GkxL'H Dr« Buckley preached his funeral sermon.
RfCAARD Maunsel was minister of Yarmouth, and
aeverdy persecuted, together with Mr. Thomas Lad, a
merchant of that place. They were brought before the
Chancellor of Norwich, for a supposed conventicle;
because, on the Lord's day, after public worship, they ,
joined with Mr. Jackler, their late minister, in repeating
the heads of the sermons which had that day been preached
hi the church. Mr. Lad was compelled, upon his oath, to.
answer, certain articles relating to the supposed con-
venticle, which he could not see till after he had taken
the oath. Haying been twice convened before the chan-
cellor, he was carried before the high commission at Lam-
• Neal'i Paritans, toI. i. p. 483.
f Gnuiger'i Biog. HiiL Tol. i. p. 280. t Hist, of Can. p. 8.
^ Le^ OB ReligioB and Learniof » p. 143.
184 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
beth, and required to answer, upon a new oath, such inquiriei
as his ecclesiastical judges were pleased to propose. This^
indeed, be refused without a sight of his former answers;
9ad was, therefore, cast into prison, where he remained a
long time, without l^eing admitted to bail. Mr. Maonsei
was further charged witli signing a petition to the house of
commons, and with refasing the oath ex officio; for which
he was treated in the same manner, itaying suffered a
long and painful confinement, the prisoners, about the year
1607, were brought to the liar upon a writ of habeas
corpus; and having Nichohis Fuller, esq. a bencher of
Gray's-inn, and a roost learned roan in his profesaiim, for
their counsel, he rooved, that the prisoners ought <to be
released ; because tlie high conunissioners were not empow-
ered by law to imprison, or to administer the €mtk.ex
officio^ or to fine any of his majesty^s subjects. These
points he laboured to prove in a most learned, aijgamcft*
lative, and perspicuous manner, which was looked upoa ai
an unpardonable crime ;• and instead of serving hissdieDti^
brought the heavy indignation of the commisaionea opaa
liimself. Archbishop Bancroft, now at the head ^of the
high conunission, told the king, that Fuller wa& tJheiGhaiH
pion of the nonconformists; and^ therefore^ ought . to U
made a public example, to terrify others from appearing
hereafter in defence of the puritans.f Accocdingly^ Jiftim
shut up in close prison ; from whence, neUber by Ihe inter-
cession of, fri^pds, nor by his own most humUe «nppli*
cations, couldJie.cMain release; but after dosei confineDieBl
about twelve years, he died in prison, February 83, 1619,
aged seventy-six year84 What became of Mr. Bfaonsel
and Mr. Laid, his clients ; whether after ihebi- trial they
were released, or suffered some othec punishment, we hash
not been able to learn.
« Fuller's Arfrnment in the caie of Thomas Lad aod Richard Manmrli
edit. 1607. — ^Tbis most learned, cqrioni, and Taloable Tract, ooBiifting ft
3S pages in quarto, was repnblished in Id4l.
f Fnller^s Church Hut. b. z. p. 66.
X Nicholas Fuller was member of the parliament of 1608* whM ha
brought in two bills : the one concerning Ecclesiastical JnrisdictloBy the.
other concerning Subscription; both with a view to ease the borileili of the
persecuted puritans. He was a person of great learBiiyaad pMy;
i^id finding the nooconformisis grievously oppressed jn their Iibertlea, their
estates, and their consciences, contrary to law, he laboured boAh in the
Inmsle-of commons, and in the courts of judicature, to'proctn^ tbefr
deliyerance from the cruel oppressions of their persecntorB*— JTS* Chrf-
nologtff vol. ii. p. 667. (2.)
WILCOCRS. 185
. Thomas Wilcocks, A. M. — This celebrated divine was
born about the year 1349, and educated in St. Jofan^f
coUege, Oxford. Upon his leaving the university, he
became a- learned, zealous, and usefiil preacher in Honey-*
lane, London. In the year 1572, he was an active persqia
in the erection of the presbyterian church at Wandsworth
}n Surrey. During the same year he was brought intp
much trouble for his nonconformity. Th^ puritans havi^
for a long time sought in vain to the queen and prelates,
for a further reformation of the church, now resolved to apply
to the parliament, Accordingly, Mr. Wilcocks and Mr.
John Field published '' An Admonition to the Parliament,^'
xirhich they presented to the house of commons lyith .the|r
oWn hands. Though the book was much esteemed, and
soon passed through four editions^ the ai^thqiis were appre-
hefided and committed to Newgate, where they, remaiped
a long time, in close and miserable confinement.* A par*
ticular account of these cruel proceedings, together wifli
their other troubles, will be found in another place, f.
.' The character and sentiments of these excellent divifie?
iiaving greatly suffered by reproach, th^ publis^ied.^
vindication of themselves, againk the false iipputations of
imsound doctrine, and disloyalty to the queen. The piece
Ib entiiOed' <( A Copie of a Letter, with a Confession of
Faith, written by two faithiul Servants of Gpdji ufito a^i
lioiioiiiable and virtuous Ladie.^t It is subscribed, with
their aim hands; but whether it was published before, or
4<uing their imprisonment, we are not able to l^m. ^ it is,
however, a different confession from that which is noticed in
the pkoe referred to above, but was penned most probably
on the same occasion. During their confinement in New-
gat^ Archbishop Parker sent nis chaplain, one Pearson, to
confer with them. This conference, dated September 11 ^
J[57S, was in ibe presence of Mr. Mondes their keeper,
and is as follows :
Pearson. Is your name Wilcocks ?
"Wilcocks. Yes, verily.
. PI desire to become acquainted with you ; for I know
you not.
W. Neith^ do I know you.
• Mr. Thomas Woodcock, a bookseller in London* for vending the
Adnonitibn, Was, at the sane time, comnitted to Newgate by Bishop
Aylmer. — Strype's Aylmtry p. 57.
f See Art. Field.
X Bute Af a'Ref iste>, p, 598— M6.
186 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
P. I am come to conyerse with you^ by wanant from my
lord of Canterbury.
W. Indeed it is high time. I have been in close prisad
almost three months, and no one has yet been seqt to confier
with roe, and reclaim me from error, if I be in any.
P. I am come to you, and your companion, Mr. Fidd,
about a letter from you, delivered by your wives to his
grace of Canterbury; wherein you charge him with
unjust dealing and cruelty. He would gladlv know in what
particular instance you can accuse him of injustice and
cruelty.
Field. To charge him with cruelty we mind not: neith^
did we write any such thing. But we may justly charge
him with unjust dealing.
P. Why so 2 What is the special cause of it ?
W. Because he hath kept us in close prison almost three
months without a cause.
P. I judge it is not so. •
F. We wrote a book in time of parliament, justly craTiag .
a redress and reformation of many abuses, for which we
are thus imprisoned and uncourteously treated.
P. That book I read over at the time of its ^first comiiig
out ; but since that time I have not read foiu: lines of it
To speak my mind, though some thingis in -it be good, I
dare not justify all.
W. What are the points which you so much dislike?
Mention some, and we will gladly talk about them.
P. So far as I can gather, you would have in the church
an eouality of ministers.
W. We would not have it of ourselves; but God*s
word requireth it. '
P. No: God's word is against it.
F. I pray you let us see the place.
P. Before I proceed, let me ask you one question. Do
you both agree in this point ? For if you do not agree, I
shall labour in vain.
F. We agree both in this point, and all others. For, the
Lord's name be praised, there is no contrariety of judg-
ment.
P. You will allow of the name of a bishop*
W. Yes, verily.
P. And why so ?
W. Because Grod's word alloweth the same, in the ordi*
narv government of the church.
r. xou wiU, also,^ allow the name of an apostle.
WILCOCKS. 187
F. In one respect vfe do, and in another respeet we do
not. As it signifieth cme sent of God to preach the gospely
we aUow it.
P. And in what respect do you not allow it ?
W« As it signifieth one sent to preach to all creatures, it
hath no place in the church.
P. my so?
^ W. Beoiuse the calling of the Gentiles is ended, and
that office was only temporal, enduring only for' a season. *
P. I know many good writers are of your opinion. But
how do you prove that from scripture ? .
W, £asily enough. It is scripture itself.
P. Let this be granted. Doth an equality of ministers,
therefore, follow ? St. Paul saith, God gave'' to his church
some i^ibstles, some prophets, some eyangdists, some pastors,
and fiome teachers.
F. That place maketh most for us, as, by the assistance
of Grod, we hope to make evidently appear.
W. Seeing we are dealing in matters which concern
Ood^s glofy, and we cannot of ourselves speak to his praise,
nor wi3iout the teaching of his Spirit, let us crave his divine
aaristanee in the exercise of prayer.
P. Will you use private or public prayer ?
W. Nay, in my judgment, the more public the better.
^Mr» Field then engi^ed in pnn^er, which being finished,
they lesnmed the conversation as rollows :]
W. No?w, if it please you, let us begui' where we left off.
P; From the words ot Paul, I reason thus: In his day
thore was a distinction of callings ; therefore, there can be no
parity of ministers.
F. That place of Paul proveth no such thing. For he
thene speaketh of those exiraor^nary offices which were
peculiar to the state of the church in the time of the
apostles: as apostles, prophets, and evangeli^s. Also he
speaks of those offices which are ordinary^ and to continue
to the end of time : as pastors and teachers, which differ
not in authority and dignity, though they may in gifts and
graiies.
■ P. I understand your meaning. I perceive you will
have no minister to preach out of nis own charge.
F. That is our opmion.
, p. And why so ?
F.* Because every pastor hath work oiouffh to take proper
eaite' of his own flock ; therefore, he needeth not to thnuit
hiiDidlf opoa another ma&*8 Jabour.
188 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
P« It- is not thrusting himself upon another^ prorided he
cometh called ?
F. Indeed, if the minister had nothing more to dp thwi
to preach a sermon or two a week, this might be plqa^ed ;
but seeing he must visit the sick, comfort the mpumen,
strengthen the weak, and admonish {^id instruct, all. ftom
house to house, through the whole of his charge, I warrant
you he will have little desire, and less leisure, to preqdl in
other men's cures.
P. It is said, in the acts of the apostles, th^t vrheii th^
apostles laboured to appease the contention bet^inxt tin
Greeks and the Jews, deacons were chosen to provide for
the. poor, that thclymiffht give themselves to prayer, and
the ministry of the wora.
W. That is not contrary to what my brother hatlf said,
but serveth very aptly to confirm it ; fpr there the Holy
Ghost includes their whole office in two particular .duties.
And if the apostles did well in communicating the tenqioisl
part of their office to others, that they might give tnenw
selves , the more to prayer and preacb^ng^ whfit cah. v»
jud^e of those who unite dvit functions to their eCcAesiaflf
tical offices ? But a wandering ministry is to be avoided^
because it is an ignorant and unlearned ministrj^, the udbr*
matioA of which, with the banishment of the pbpe*9 cUnoD
law, we have particularly set forth in our late h^dk. And
because it is directly contrary both to reason and soriptiirR
. P. I wish to hear that reason^ and see that scriptncNu
F. You know that a father hath much rcsgard for hit
children, because they are nearly related to him : so^, cm Ui6
same account, hath a pastor for the children of his flock*
And the scripture saith, <' Take heed Onto yourselves, and
to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost hatb mad^ ydkk
overseers, to feed the church of God. Feed the Bocli: nf
God which is among you."
P. May I not then preach in other men's charges }
F. Upon certain conditions you may.
P. If I see the people lacking instruction, aind out of
compassion preach to them, do you think I do evil ? . .
. F. It is hot for us to condemn another mab's serv^:
to his own master he standeth or falletli. Yet you. will dt
well to take heed to your own calling. But having youf
own flock, and intermeddling with other mens'
which Grod hath not commanded, you do hot weU*. Jf,
indeed, there be a defection among the churches, etllMf IB
faith or practice, and God stir you up by an exbnmdiBUf
WILCOCKS. 189
wUiDgy fliQfagh you preach in other places^ I condemn you
not. . . . ■ I . »,
Pi Whai are the reasons -why I may not come into
toipther man;*s. charge i
W.' If our chui^ were so reformed, that there was a
kaxnedaad painful ministry, with a godly sincerity in
evenr oon^n^ation^ then^ with a view to end a controvtersy^
conmrm a dodnne, or refute an error, you might preach in
MMrthfaT' man^s charge : yet you might ■ not do this, .unless
ybtf were requested by the^ minister and seniority of the
cfaurclK and permitted ^y your own.
' ' P/'Yoa seem to have written your book in choler against
flonie pefsohs, rather than to promote a reformation of tha
ehordi.
W. I)iuppose you are displeased witli the sharpness of
Ae language. . We are willing to bear the Uame of that.
P, I think it did not proc^ from a spirit of love, and
charity, and meekness.
F; That toucheth me, and therefore I answer; as God
bafli his Mose^' fib he hath his £l|jah. Isaiah calleth the
ndioca iof hiisf time, princes of Sodom* . John calleth the
acribes and pharisees, a generation of vipers. Jesus Christ
Adietfi them adders, and aii adij^lterous generation. And the
acriptores^ especially the prophets, are full of 6uch< wannq
ezpresnoDs. We have used gentle words too long :' we
pooeiTe they have done no good. The wound is tecome
eksperate; it therefore needeth a strong corrosive, ft is
no time to flatter men in their sins. Yet God knoweth, we
meant to speak against no man's person^ but their places f*
odd eiuting ctyrruptions.
' P. Wiir you tnen tike away all ecclesiastical policy f
Ilrpleaseth the prince, in pplic^, to make the ministers lord^
kkfttps and archbishops. I confess, this cannot be warranted
hjj^ G(A\ word ; but as the christian magistrate, in policy^
eitiseineth'it good, and not against God's word, I. doubt
whether they may not do it.
' " W^ We praise God for having made you confess thi»
truth; But, from your words, we must consid^.whetlier
the policy concerning ecclesiastical matters, as contained ia
Gbd'S'Word, be not all-i^ificient, and that alone whieh is to
Mellowed. The miitdgters of Christ may take unto than-;
t^is^ ho other titles than those which are allowed and
a^n'^^'^^^ ^ God's word, though the christiw ApmcM
would, in policy, make them ever so liberal an olBfer otthem.
F. No. Thou^ the' prince, would' give them such
190 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
offices and titles, they ought, according to the urcnd of CSod^
to refuse them.
P. When in honour they are offered, would yod have
them wilfully and unthankmlly to refuse them ?
F. Whenever the prince is so disposed, they, in the feu
of God, should say, ^^ A greater charge is alreadT laid
upon us than we are well able to fulfil. We cannot faboiir
so faithfully in this function as the Lord requireUt ; there-
fore, we most humbly desire your majesty to lay the chaige
of chil matters upon those who have time and tldllto
manage them, and to whom in duty they belong ; and kt
us exercise ourselves in the office of the ministnr fdone.**. No
names can be more blasphemous than those of brd-iitkopt
and archbishops. They take that honour to themselves which
belongs to Jesus Christ alone, as lord and king in ZUm,
P. if for religion the prince appoint fasts, we oiupht not
to obey ; but Sf, in policy, when victuals' are mar, he
appoint them, we arc bound in conscience to obey.
F. As you plead so much for policy, we saSkt ifluptisoD-
ment for opposing the popish hierarchy, the policy of which
is directly contrary to that which was used in the piimitive
church.
P. Must we then in every point follow the apostles and
primitive church ? «— — —
W. jy^ i_ unless a better order, can be, foumL^ In matters
of govemmenfand discipline^lhe word of God is our only
warrant ; but rites and ceremonies not mentioned in scrip
ture, are to be used or refused, as shall best appear to toe
edification of the church.*
Here the conversation closed; and soon oiler this Mr.
Wilcocks and Mr. Field presented a supplication to Laid
Treasurer Burleigh, written, says Mr. Strype, in a good
Latin style. In this they vindicate their own innooenoei
and petition his lordship to procure their libMy, by
addressing him as follows : — <^ Confiding in your singular
benevolence, we were induced to address you, hoping to
obtain our liberty, and to propagate the truth. We aie
aware that we are spoken against and slandered by many*'
But let the truth speak for itself— it never seeks to lie hid m
comers. While we commend the innocency and eqaifj
of our cause to your consideration, we humbly and eariKsdy
beseech you to grant us favour. We have, indeed, latdy
^tten a book, urging the reformation of horrid abases; ana
• lis. Register, p; 139-1S7.
WILCOCKS. 191
I
that 'true religion may be freed from popish superstition,
^d, witb the queen's approbation, be again restored by
the parliament. But of ourselves we have never attempted
to correct or change any thing. We referred alL to their
judgments, according as the case may seem to them to
lequire. And vre hoped that, by this means, the peace of
the church, and the reconciliation of brethren, might have
been happily promoted.
^^ By dais ecclesiastical establishment, which is so con-
trary to the word of God, we have all seen a sad schism in
the church ; and that most desirable blessing of peace, which
ought to abound among those of the same religion, has been
destroyed. We said nothing of the contempt of good
learning, the corruption oftrue religion, the depmvingofthe
ininistry, and the increase of sin which it hath occasioned.
All this is a sufficient justification of. our book. And the
corruptions and abuses which we have mentioned, are unani-
moujuy acknowledged by all the foreign reformed churches,
and by the writings of men of eminent learning, to be very
. foul.'^
. In the conclusion they humbly and earnestly entreat
him to be a means of procuring their liberty. They also
pregsaited other petitions to other persons of distinction, but
^ppaxeaUy to little effect : for they were confined in close
priflon in Newgate at least fifteen months • A further account
of theseproc^dings will be found in another place.f
Mr. Wilcocks at length obtained his release from prison,
bat was at the same time deprived of his living in Honey-
lane. Beiiiff driven from his flock and his benefice, ho
prei|Ched where he could, as he found an opportunity,
- thoogh not without frequent molestation from the persecute
ipg prelates. For the greatest part of ten years he preaclied
Vojr frequently at Boyington, in Hertfordshire, tie spent
a considerable portion of his time and pains in his epistolary
correspondence with his numerous friends ; and in his
lettea he commonly subscribed himself, ^^ Thomas Wil-
cocks, the Lord's unworthy servant." Among his numerous
and learned correspondents, was the venerable Mir. Anthony
iGMIby, €£ Asbby de la Zouch, in Leicestershire, to whom
ha addressed the following epistle,' descriptive of the cruel
ioppmtuons of thetime:}
. ,>* Good Father Gilby, since my separation from you I
bare jnceivcd letters from London, whierein was certified the
• -■-.. .' ..•
« 8tnrpe*t Annals, vol. ii. p. 186. f See Art Field.
t BalMr*t BU. CoUec. toI. xssii. p. 441, 448.
19S LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
stirs and troubles there. When I had read them, I thou^'
it meet to make you partaker of such news as was sent unto
me, to the end that you and all the godly there with you
may pour forth earnest supplications tor our brethren wliO
are now in bonds, and under the cross, for the testimony of-
the truth. Thus standeth the case. Mr. Fulwer, our dear
friend and brother in the Lord, with divers other^ are pri-
soners in the same Compter, and for the same cause that our
brother Edmunds is. Our brother Johnson, minister of the
church without Temple-bar, and others with him, are laidf
in the Gatehouse at Westminster. Our brother Wight ai^d
others with him are committed to Newgate.
^< The ministers of London were callra by the arehdeaconC
and Dr. Hames, tliebishop^s chancellor, to Lawrence church
in the Jewry, and then subscribed, and were commanded
to put on their trash ; as surplices, &c. on the Sunday fol-
lowing. Amon^ them, none bad more deceived ihd
^odly than one W a^er, who had many times been, but jodI^
m words, against tne popish regimen and ceremonies. re-'
tained and used in the English church; but now hyhU
subscription hath allowed all. The Lord grant that, as he
hath fallen with Peter, aild denied the trum, so he may, if
it be his will, rise with him again. This subscriptioal is
required, not of ministers alone, but of the common peoplei
such as they cdUpurilans. Scribbled in haste from Coyai-
try, this 21st of December, 1573.
'^ By yours to command in the Lord Jesus,
" Thomas Wilcocks."
Mr. Wilcocks, in about six weeks after the above, ad-
dressed another epistle to the same venerable divine, ccmbk
taining a further account of oppressions and cruelties exer-
cised upon the poor persecuted puritans. It contamS|
indeed, some other interesting fsicis worthy of being coiia- ,
municated to posterity ; and the whole is so excellent, and
BO exactly characteristic of the writer, that it would bewail
inexcusable omission to withhold it from the inquisitive
reader. The following is an exact copy :•
*< Grace and peace from God.
" Father Gilby, news here is none gpod ; for how naay
we look for good in these evil times ? The commissioiieA
go forwards m their haughty proceedings : God, if it hej^
will, stay their rage. Three of them that they have 1111*
ptis(Oned are dead already. What shall become of the rest
• Baker*s MS. Coliec.yol. zzzii. p. 439, 440.
WILCOCKS. 193
the Lord knoweth. We here persuade MUdives of nothing
bat great extremity. The Lord grant us patience an3
strength in his truth for ever. The godly here desire your
earnest' prayers to the Lord for them, and heartily salute
you in the Lord, especially my brother Edmunds, tba
Lord's prisoner, tinto whom you promised, at my being
with you, to write some letter of comfort. Surely a letter
fifom you to him would much encourage him in the ways
of the Lord ; and, therefore, I desire you at your convenient
leisure to write somewhat as it shall please the Lord to
move you.
^^ Dr. Whit^Ul^s book is not yet come out, but we look
for it daily. Our brother Cartwright is escaped, Grod bo
praised, wad departed this land smce my coming up to
London, and, I hope, is by this time at Heidelberg. The
Lord bless him, and direct him in all things by his Holy
Spirit, that he may do that which may serve for the
aovanoement of his glory, and the profit of his church.
His earnest desire is, that you and all the godly should
remember him in your earnest and hearty prayers ; therefore^
I the more boldly and willingly now make mention of him.
<^ The commissioners caused Beza^s Confession, translated
into English, to be burnt in Stationers*-haIl, on Thursday
the 88th o£ January last. The pretence was, that it was
ill translated : but I suppose rather because it over plainly
dissolveth the popish hierarchy, which they yet maintain.
From my house in Coleman-street, this Sd of February,
1S74. Tours assured in the Lord,
" Thomas Wilcocks*"
Bfany of the letters written by Mr. Wilcocks were
aniwers to cases of conscience. He was highly celebrated
finr his knowle(^ of casuistical divinity. Multitudes who
applied to him undcfr spiritual distress, obtained, through
me blessing of God, both peace and comfort. Most of his
episOes were written particularly to promote family and
poBonal rdUgion among his numerous connexions. Our
author observes, that he had seen a large folio volume of
his letters in manuscript ; and, from the long list now before
me, it appears that many of them were adcuessed to perscms
of quality. Mr. Wilcocks was intimate with the celebrated
Sir Peter Wentworth, who had the highest respect and
esteem for him.*
• sir FMer Wentworth, member in lefcral of Qneen Enttbeth'spsrlla*
amtB, was a man of great piety, stronf reiolation, exceUent abilities, and
^wayt sealotti for ite prlfUqe** ^ pwliameati and a flnrtliec reformation
toXm li. o
194 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Thoogh our divine was a decided nonconformifll^ he
a penoa of great modeiation. He acknowledged the
chnrch of England to be a true church, and her ministrf
to be a true ministry, but greatlj encumbered wi£h the
superstitions and corruptions of ^papery. He also coca*
sionally attended the public service of the church, and was
a divine of great learning and piety; yet, for the sinifc
sin of nonconformity, be was often prosecuted in the
ecclesiastical courts, and often suspended and d^imdl
In tbe year 1581, he was convened before his snperion
and suspended from his ministry ; and, in I59I, he was cut
into pnson. He died in tbe year 160S^ and flie fifty<4iiiitli
of his age.* Wood, not knowing that he was a muritaD;
gives a very higli character of him, styling him a fieqMit
writer and translator, a laborious preacher, a noted cMdflt^ '
a grave divine, and a person greatly esteoned in his day.f
Hii Works.— 1. An Exposition on the book of Cantidss, «
Solomon's Song, 15S5. — 2. An Exposition on psrt of Romans viB;
1587. — 3. A short and sound Commentary on the ProTeriM of
Solomon, 1689. — 4. An Exposition on the whole book of Pnlmi^
wherein is contained the division and sense of erery Psalm, Ace, \M.
(These four articles were collected and published, in 1094^ nnder
the care of Dr. John Burgess, who married the author's dangMar*
It was in one volume folio, entitied, '' The Works of the Refsnail
Divine, Mr. Tho. Wilcocks.'Ot-^ A Summary of short MeditatioBi»
touching certain Points of the Christian Kcligidn, 1579. — 61 A
Concordance or Table, containing the principal Words and Mattiw
which are comprehended in the New Testament, 1690^ — 7. Ai
Answer to Banister the Libertine, 1581. — 8. A Glass for GhuBestBtl^
or such as delight in Cards and Dice, wherein they may see no|only
the Vanity, but idso the Vileness of those Plays, plainly disco^Qsm
and overthrown by the Word of God, 1681.— 9. A Form of I¥^iiift-
tion for the Lord's Sapper, 1681. — 10. The Substance of thvLsfdV
Supper shortly and. soundly set forth, 1681. — 11. A oomfertshlp
Letter for afilicted Consciences, written to a godly Bfaii gVMtty
touched that way, 1684. — 12. Three large Letters for the Instraolln
and Comfort of such as are distressed in Conscience, 1560^^18.
The Narration of a fearful Fire at Wobum in Bedfordshirey^fi66>^
He also pubHsbed the following translations into English s-^i. A
Catechism, 1678, by Fountein.— 2. Three Propositions, IfiSOy.l^
Calvin. — 3. A Treatise of the Church, wherein the godly inay
discern the true Church from the Romish, 1682, by BertJmnd'de
Loques.— 4. A Discourse of the true visible Maiiu of the CAtbofio
Church, 1688, by Beza.— 6. Two Sermons on the Sacrament of the
of the charch. In tbe year 1598, for making a motton in tbe ho«e sf
commons for entailing tbe voccession, he was, by the queen's tyrannical
order, committed to the Fleet|«»d three other memben to tlw T6wMr»Tor
the same oirence.-^Jir8. Chronology^ vol. ii. p. 417. (SO.) 617. («.)
• Ibid. p. 617. (4.) f Wood'i AtheniB Oson. vrt. i. p. 861. % ML
J* SMYTH. m
Jkird'i Snipper, 1688, by Beza. — 6, Bertram the Priest cdncemiiiip
the Body and Blood of Christ, 1582.-7. Meditatioips on Psalm ci^
lifi99, by PhiL Morney Lord of Plcssis.
John Smyth, A. M.— «TIiis zealous puritan was fellow of
Ghiist's college, Cambridge, and a great sufferer for non-
confbnnity. He was a popular preacher ; and hayio^, in
0De of his sermons before the university, maintained the
iBilawiiilness of sports on the Lord's day, he was summoned
before the "nce-chancellor. During his examination, he
flffeied to prove^ that the christian sabbath ought to be
obierved by an abstinence from all unnecessary worldly
bttdness, and spent in workR of piety and charity ; though
ii does not appear what punishment was inflicted upon him.*
A divine of his name, beneficed atMitcham in Surrey, was
a member of the presbyterian church erected at Wands-
worth in tiiat county, in the year 1572 ; but it is not easy to
aiceitain whether he was the same person.^
r Mr. Smyth afterwards separated from the established
ehurch, and embraced the principles of the Brownists.
la the year 159S, he was one of their leaders, and
OMt into prison, with many of his brethren, for their
Bonoonformity. After being confined more than eleven
BBanths, he was called before the tribunal of the high com«
miigion, when be expressed his great surprise^ that in
luaUteis of religion and conscience, his spiritual judges
ahoold censure men with imprisonment and other grievances,
laflier than some more christian and equitable methods.
In the course of his examination, one of the commissionera
wiring him, whether he would go to churchy he answered^
that Be. should, dissemble and play the hypocrite, if he
dumld do it to avoid trouble ; for he thought it was utterly
vdawfid. The commissioner then said, ^ Come to church
and obey the queen's laws, and be a dissembler j an hypocrite^
«r a deM, if thou wilt.''^ Upon his. refusal, he was sent
back to the Marshalsea, some of his brethren to the Clink^
aftd others to the Fleet; where they were shiit up in close
vooms, not being allowed the commcm liberty of the prison*
Beie they died like rotten sheep, some through extreme
mmti .some from the 'rigour of their imprisonment, and
withers of infectious distempers. § Though Mr. I^ytt^
.• .^ some's AaoaU, vol. Hi. p. 341.
f tiS&T\ Cborcb Hist. b. Ix. p. 103.
% Strype's Aooals^ toI. iy. p. 134. \ tbUkp. IMr^lSa.
190 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
samved these calamities, it does not appear at wliat period-
he was released from prison.
Previous to his total separation from the clmrch of
England, he spent nine months in studying the ^rounds of
conformity and nonconformity;* and held a disputatioo
with Messrs. Dod, Hildersham, and Barhon, on thepoiirffof
contcNTmity, and the use of prescribed forms of prayer.f
He was preacher in the city of Lincoln, and afterwaids
beneficed at Gainsborough. In the county of LinoolD, and
on the borders of Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire, the
?rinciples of the Brownists gained consicbarable gioand.
'wo churches were formed, over one of which Bfr. ShnjA.
was chosen pastor ; and over the other Mr. Richard Clinaij
who was succeeded by Mr. John Robinson.t After endnrr
ing numerous hardships and incessant persecution fran the
high, commission, they fled from the storm, and went (9
Holland. Mr. Smyth and his followers settled at Antfter-
dam, in the year 1606, and joined themselves to the Engliih
church at that place, of which Mr. Francis Johnaon.im
pastor, and Mr. Henry Ainsworth teacher. ' Itwasnotlmit
however, before a very serious breach took place. Tb
subjects of debate, which gave rise to this division, wen
c:ertain opinions very simimr to those afterwards eapooael
by Arminius. Mr. Smyth maintained the doctrines oSf fiEce-
will and universal redemption ; opposed the predtestination
of particular persons to eternal lire; as also the doctrine f£
original sin ; and maintained that believers might fidi fiooiB
that grace which would have saved them, had ihev cotf
tinned in it. He seems, hideed, to have entertained aoioiie
very singular notions : as, the unlawfidness of leodiott tke
scriptures in public worship; that no translation of the
Bible was the word of God ; that singing the piaisei of
Grod in verses, or set words, was without authonty ; .thai
flight in time of persecution was^ unlawful; that the newr
creature needed not the support of scripture and ordinanoep^
but was above them ; ana that perfection was attainable k
this life.§
Mr. Smyth differed also from his brethren on Uie subject
of baptism. The Brownists, who denied the dmrdi U
Engkmd to be a true church, maintained that her minirtaii
actra without a divine commission ; and, consequently, th^t
•' Life of Aintwortb, p. 36.
-f* Cotton's Congrentional Charchei, p. 7.
t Prince*! Chron. Hist« vol. i. p. 19. SO.— Mone and Fui•b^l New.Etag.
p. 6.
S Life oif Ainf worth, p. S8.
J. SMTTH. 197
v^ery ordinance administered by them, was null and void*
They were for some time, however, guilty of this incoo-
«stency, that while they re-ordainra their pastors and
teachen, they did not repeat their baptism. This defect
was easily mscovered bv Mr. Smyth ; whose doubts con-
cerning the validity of baptism, as administered in the
national church, paved the way for fiis rejecting the baptism
of infants altogether. Upon further consideration of the
mibject, he was led to conclude^ that immersion was the
trae and only meaning of the word baptism; and that the
ordinance should be administered to those only who
anpelued to believe in Jesus Christ. But the absurdity o£
Mr. Smyth's conduct certainly appeared in this, that, refus-
i^ to apply to the German baptists, and wanting a proper,
administrator, according to his views of the ordinance, he
baptized himself; on which account he was stigmatized by
the name of a Se-bapiist. This is related as a tact by moot
of our historians ; and one of them affirms, that he was
baptized no less than three times.* Crosby has, however^
tazen great pains to vindicate him from the charge of having
baptized himself; yet it does not appear that he has been
verv successtul.f
Mr. Smyth's principles and conduct deeply involved him
hi public controversy, and soon drew upon him an host of
opponents, the chief of whom were Messrs. Robinson^
Ainsworth, Johnson, Jessop, and Clifton. The controversy
commenced soon after his setdement at Amsterdam, and was
carried on with too much asperity by both parties.^
Many writers observe, that soon after this unhappy con-
tio?ersy broke out, Mr. Smjrth and his followers removed
fixHn Amsterdam, and settled at Leyden ; whereas it is
extremely obvious, from the testimony of persons who lived
ia those times, and even in those places, that both he and
his people continued at Amsterdam till the day of his death,§
^ch happened about the close of the year 1610. Tte
year following appeared, '' A Declaration of the Faith of the
fiaglish People remaining at Amsterdam, in Holland,''
being the remainder of Mr. Smyth's company : with an
appendix, giving some account of bis sickness and death.
• Piget'g Heresiography, p. 66.— -Ncars Puritans, vol. il. p. 46.— Life
^' AinBworth, p. 38— 42.— Clark's Lives annexed to Marty rologie, p. 56.
^ Crosby's Hist, of Baptists, vol. i.p. 95—98.
t Ufe of Aioiwortb, p. 42.
)Cotton*i Congregational Churches, p. 7.*Prioce*8 Chron. Hist. yo\, u
198r LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
A copy of fliis declaration is stiU preserved.* Soon aifiev
his death, his followers returned to England ; and, as it iff
generally supposed, they were the first of those now called
general baptists in this country. Mr. Smyth possessed good
abilities, was a learned man, and an able preacher, but he
often changed his opinions, even to the very close of life«
This, however, was undoubtedly from conviction, as he
himself declared. '^ To change a false religion,*' says h^
<< is commendable, and not evil ; and to tall from the pro*
fession of Puritanism to Brownism, and from Brownism to
true Christian baptism, is not evil or reprovable in itself
except it be proved that we fall from true religion.*'f
Mr. Smyth and his company were certainly very much
reproached by their enemies. This, as well as their drfenoe^
we have from his own pen. " We," says he, ** disclaim
the errors commonlv, but most slanderously imputed onto
us. We are, indeed, traduced by the world as atheists, by
denying the Old Testament and the Lord's day ; as tiaiton
to magistrates, in denying magistracy ; and as heretics^ in
denying the humanity of Christ. Be it known, therefore,
to all men ; first, that we deny not the scriptures of the Ola
Testament, but, with the apostle, acknowledge them to be
inspired of Grod; aiM that we have a sure word of the
prophets whereunto we ought to attend as to a light shinii^
in a dark place; and that whatsoever was written aforetinw
was written for our instruction, that we, through patience
and comfort of the scriptures, might have hope. — Secondly,
we acknowledge, that, according to the precaient of Christ's
disciples and the primitive churches, the saints ought, ttpon
the first day of the week, which is called the Lord's aay^
to assemble together to pray, prophesy, praise God, bceak
bread, and pertbrm other parts of spiritual communion. fi>r
the worship of God, their own mutual edification, and the
? reservation of true religion and piety in the churchd-^
^hirdly, concerning magistrates, we acknowledge them to
be the ordinance of the Lord ; that every soul ouffht to be
subject unto them ; that they are the ministers or Grod for
our good; that we ought to pray for them that are in
authority, and not speak evil of them, nor despise govern*-
ment, but pay tribute, custom, &c. — Finally, concerning
the fiesh of Christ, we do believe that Christ is the seed m
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and of David, according te the
prophecies of the scriptures ; and that he is the son w Maiy
* Crosby's Baptists, vol. i. aod ii. AppcD.
f Smyth's Character of the Beast, Pref. Edit. 1610.
CUFTON. 199
Ub modiery made of her subBtance, the Hol^ Ghost over-
shadbwing her : also that Christ is.one person in two distinct
natures, me Godhead and manhood; and we detest the
contraiy errors."*
> His Works. — 1. Parallels and Censures, 1609.-— 2. The Character
of the Beast: or, the false Constitution of the Church, (discovered in
certain Passag^es betwixt Mr. R. Clifton and John Smyth, concerning
tme Cbn^tian Baptism of New Creatures, or new-bom Babes ia
Christ, and false Baptism of Infants born after the Flesh, 1610. —
9. IKIfereiiees of the Churches of the Separation. — 1. A Dialogue oF
Baptism.-*^ A Reply to Mr. Clifton's Christian Plea.
- Richard Clifton was a person of a grave deportment,
ami a successful preacher, but severely persecuted for non-
conlbnnitjr.f He was pastor to one of the Brownist churches
in the. north of England, and by his ministerial labours,
many souls were converted to Christ The celebrated Mr..
John Robinson was a meml)er of his church, and afterwards
Us socoessor in the pastoral office.} These worthy persons
endnred most cruel persecution, and for a long time were
^acoeedin^y harassed by the high commission, and were at
length dnven out of the kingdom. About the year 1606,
ICr. Clifton remov^ to Holland, and settled at Amsterdam ;^
where he became teacher to the church of which Mr.
Fxancis Johnson was pastor. He carried his views (tf separa-
fion much fiulher than Mr. Robinson, and imbibed many
of the opinions of Mr. John Smyth ; but it appears that he
was. afterwards reclaimed from so rigid a separation.|| He
is denominated the principal scribe among the separatists,
and is said to have writt^i most to the purpose in
defence o£ separation.! As his writings were published
during his exile in a foreign land, we have not been able to
odlect the title of more than one of his pieces ; which was,
^ A Hea for Infants and elder People concerning thek
Baptism ; or, a Process of the Passages between M. John
Smyth and Richard Clifton,*' 1610. Having renounced the
firinciples of rigid separation, he wrote, as in the work jost
mentioned, with great warmth against Mr. Smyth. He is
said to have been one of Mr. Smyth's most violent adver*
• 8ayth*s Character of the Beast, Pref .
-f- Cotton's Congregational Churches, p. 7.
t Moneand Parish's New Eng. p. 6. § Life of Ainsworth, p. ST.
I Clark's Lives annexed to Martyr, p. 56.
1 Paget's Arrow against Separation, p. 8.
900 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
•aries.* Mr. Clifton ivas probably living when ihe alxmf
piece was puUisbed ; but when he died we cannot aaoartaiik
Nicolas Rush was fellow of Christ's college, Cam-
bridge, and one of the preachers to the university, but
Srsecuted lor his noncontbrmity. In his sermon at St
ary's church, September 10, 1609, it is said that he
doliyered divers opinions contrary to the religion of the
established church ; for which he was convened before the
vice-chancellor. Dr. Jegon, and the heads of houses, and
required to deliver up a copy of his sermon. Having com-
plied with their demands, certain offensive opinions weie
extracted from his sermon, for which he was immediiiiely
suspended from preaching, and enjoined to make a puUicf
recantation from the pulpit of the above church. This
degrading recantation, containing an account of his oflSsosite
crimes, was the following :
^' Whereas many christian auditors, wis^ tS9^^7 '^'
*^ religious, have been offended with many things which I
^^ not long since uttered in a sermon in this putce, justly
^' reprehending not only my great indiscretion, presumptioto,
<< uncharitableness, rash and bold censuring, but also some
^< strange and erroneous opinions I then was taken to
^^ deliver; I am now come to the same public place (after
^< sundry conferences had with divers grave and teamed
'< divines of this university) to acknowledge my £ralt and
^^ make satisfaction.
« And, first, in my prayer, where I used very irreverent
<< and reproachful speech against the clergy, or aome of
^^ them, terming them gorbellied clergy ; and abo some
<< ofiensive speeches, which might be ts^en to touch avtho-
^^ rity, or some attending at court, calling them devilish
^^ parasites, in flattering and attributing overmuch to some
^' u higher place : upon better advice, I now admowledge
<< niy presumptuous boldness therein, {•'urther, in tluit 1
*^ did then deliver three opinions in these words, via. that
<< St. IPaul and Moses did faulty and err in their desires^ it
^^ coming from a scourge and force of a pa^ion too eaniest
^' and hot, and not sufficiently bounded with the true limiti
^' of pure charity. And also even our Saviour Chris's
<^ prayer (Father if thou wilt, let this cup pass from mcv y^
^^ not my will, but thy will be done,) came from nature QBiIy^
« Crosby's Baptists, vol. i. p. 99.
RUSH. aoi
'^ Urithmit reason attending, his nnderstandin^ all the while
^^ being otherwise busied, and his reasonable deliberation
"^ not ccmcurring therewith ; for it is not necessary that the
^^ reascMiable mind should always concur with the tongue^
^< men speaking in their sleep, and parrots also learning that
<< fecuhy. And that his mouth, with all the instruments of
^< speech, were writhed as it were, and wrested to utter th^
^ same, and substance of his natural instinct and inclination.
^ And farther, that our Saviour Christ's prayer, though it
** were uttered by a person reasonable, yet it was nothing
^ in substance but a nature desired prayer : it bein^
^< directly and originally the proper cause of it. And
' *^ fiorther, that the words of Christ were as the words of a
^^ man in sleep. Whereas in my confutation of Mr. Beza's
^ judgment, (being that the prayer of Christ came from a
^^ leasooable will^) I uttered these words in answer : < As I
*^ take it, it cannot stand ; for how could he, without tedious
^^and untimely troubling^ and obtruding his Father's ears,
^^ (as I may so speak,) pray that the cup should pass from
^ him.'
' **^I now, upon better deliberation, do, with grief and
^Borrow of heart, confess before Grod and his angels, and
^ this whole assembly, that 1 have greatly erred in my
<< said opinions publicly delivered, and especially touching
^ the points about the most holy, earnest, meritorious, and
** heavienly prayer of our Saviour in that bitter agony sufr
*' feied for our sins ; wherein my said speeches were not onljt
<< errcmeous, rash, and presumptuous, but also such as might
<< be taken to be dishonourable to our Saviour, impious aind
^ profane, giving just scandal both to such as then heard
^^ me, and those to whom the report hath come. Where^
^ fore I humbly beseech, first. Almighty God, and next
^ you all whom I have offended, to forgive me, promising^ .
<< by God's grace, to be more vigilant and circumspect
^^ hereafter in what I shall publidy utterj either in this
^< or any other place : which, that I may the better perform,
<< I humbly desire you to pray for me, and now to joui with
^ me in that most absolute form of prayer which our
^ Srtviomr Christ himself hath taught us. '
Bir. Rush absolutely refused to maSe this degrading
tecantation; for which, February 8, 1610, he was expelled
ftom the university ;• and this is all that we know of nim.
• Baker*8 MS. CoUec. vol. f i. p. 189, 190.
209 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Mr. Lancaster was born of good family, and for some
lime was fellow of Kins^s college, Cambridge, where lie
mq^ probaUy received Sis education. He was a mw of
great hnmiUt^, fidth, and self-denial, and an ezodleat
scholar, especially in Latin. . The famous Qr. Collins used
to say, <^ he delivered his public lectures in as pure Latin
as TuUv, having no other notes than what he wrote on the
nails of his fingers." With his great learning, and otiiei
ornamental accomplishments, his preaching was plain, and
easy to be understood ; and he was ccmtent to live among
plain people, with a living of less than forty pounds a year,
lie was teneficed at some place near Bonbuiy, in Oz£nd-
^hire ; but, about the year 1610, was suspended both fiom
his oflice and benefice, by the tyrannical oppression of
Archbishop Bancroft. Mr. Clark gives the foUowii^
account of this excellent divine : << When I was young,^
aays he, ^ I knew Mr. Lancaster. He was a little man, but
eminent, as for other things, so especially for living by
fiiith. - His charge was great, and his means smaH. When
his wife was abou^t to send her servant-maid to buy provi*
aion at Banbury market, she would many times come to
him, and tell him she had no money ; his usual answer wai^
Send your maidL, and God vritt provide. And though she
■ent her maid without numey, sne never returned empty;
fox one or other, who knew her to be Mr. Lancaster's nuud,
would give her money, by which their present wants mm
suppli^."'*
Thomas Peacock, B. D. — This learned and pious divine
was bom in Cheshire, and educated most probably in
Brazen-nose college, Oxford, where he was chdsen fellow.
He was the leanied tutor, the familiar friend, and the
roiritual father to the famous Mr. Robert Bolton, <^
oroughton in Northamptonshire, who, at his deaUi, Im an
account of him in manuscript, which was intended for the
use of the public, and afterwards published by his friend
Mr. fldward Bagshawe. Thence tbe following singular
narrative of Mr. Peacock is collected ; and it contains «
fNretty copious abstract (^ the whole. As the piece is
^tten throughout nearly in the form of a dialogue, the
s^me; method is observed in the abstract, with nf Uttk
alteration as possible.
* Clark's Livef aaoezed to lHartjr. p. 318> S19»
LANCASTEIU-PEACOCK. S0| i
Mr. Peacock was a very godly minister of Cfaiiat, and a
rare example of, humility and holiness in the religious
edncation of his scholars, and in his extraordinary conc^n^
for both the bodies and souls of poor distressed christians.
Notwithstanding his eminent grace and excellent piety^
he endured, in his last sickness, the most remarkable spir
ritaal conflict. He was brought even to the suburbs of
hell, and thence plucked as a brand from the fire. The
taemy of his peace was permitted to come upon him as an
iimed man ; but God restored comfort to his dejected soul^
bound up his broken spirit, and poured the precious balm
of Qilead into his wounded and bleeding conscience. For
nearly three weeks after the commencement of his affliction^
his time was almost wholly employed in serious deyotion
and. holy^ c<m verse with God, and he was full of most
heavenly consolations. He said his hope was firmlj
fixed on the rock Christ Jesus. He hoped the Lord
would give him a place among his saints, though it were
in the lowest room. He thaiS^ed God, that he had no
trouble of conscience; and that the Lord did not suffer
Satan to vex him. But afterwards calling to some of his
friends, he addressed them as follows :
Peacock. I thought I had been in a good state, but
I see it now far otherwise. My conscience lays these things
i^inst me. I brought up my scholars in gluttony, letting
them eat their fill of meat when they lived with me. While
I was talking, they did undo themselves. I did unad-
visedly expound places of scripture at the table ; and for
these things I now feel a hell in my conscience. I have
procured my own death, by often eating like a beast.
Friend. How do you do ?
P. Sin, sin^ sin!
F. What doth any lie on your conscience ?
1* P. Yea, my inconsiderateness : I did cut too much meat
to breakfast. But Grod be thanked there is no greater. Am
we must not extenuate, so neither must we too much aggra-
vate our sin. Let drunkards and gluttons have those
terrible horrors. I thank God, I never continued in any
known sin against my conscience. — (He afterwards with
bitterness exdaimed,) A damnable wretch. Oh, how woeful
and miserable is my state, that I must converse with hell-
hounds. The Lord hath cursed me: the event sheweth it
I have no grace. I was a foolish, vain-glorious hypocrite.
It is a^nst the course of God's proceeding to save me*
He hath otherwise decreed : he cannot.
904 LIVES OF TUB PURITANS.
F. Pat your trust in God.
P. I cannot ; no more than a hone.
F. Do you desire to believe ?
P. No more than a post, or an horse-shoe. I hsfe 19
more sense of grace than these curtains; than a gooK;
thah a block.
F. Let the testimony of your life past comfoit ymiy
especially in the calling of a tutor.
P. I did the business there(^ negligently. When I
handled hard authors, I came often unprepared, and read
shamefully.
F. Be of good courage, and the Lord will comfiMrt yowr
beart.
P. It is ended : there is no such matter.
F. Why do you think so? You shall see the ercnt.
God will yet bring it to pass.
P. Tush, tush, trifles.
F. What do you think of your former doctrine?
P. Very good.
F. Let it now comfort yon.
P. It cannot
F. You desire it could. There is nothing impoariUs
with God, which stands with his decree.
P. Oh i Oh ! miserable and woeful. The burden of
my sin lieth heavy upon me. I doubt it will break my
heart.
F. Behold your comforts.
P. That is nothing to me. I prav you hdd your peaces
You vex me. Your words are as daggers in my heart
F. Remember, sir, the good counsek you have given us.
P. Those were ordinary.
F. You may see many others^ in the like estate. See
David.
P. Not such as mine. Why do you speak to me of
David?
F. Good sir,- endeavour to settle your mind.
P. Yes, to play with hell-hounds.
F. Will you pray.
P. I cannot.
F. You were wont heretofore.
P. Yes, by a custom and vain-glory.
F. Suffer us to pray for you. ,
P. Take not the name of Grod in vain, by praying br
reprobate.
F. Suffer us to pray for ourselves.
PEACOCK." fQ»
P. Look to it; you would now shew vour faculty in
pvaying.— ^Afier prayer was ended^ he said, do not trouble
yourselves in yain.)
F. Let not the devil delude you, abusing your mind and
toiij^e. I know you speak not these wonk.
P. I wonder that intelligent scholars should speak thus.
F. We are persuaded you are in as good a state as
•orselves.
P. Look how it is with yourselves, in truth.
F. How can you discern this change by the absence of
God, if you never enjoyed his presence ? ^
Pk I thought I had it once; but now I see it is far
otherwise. Oh, me ! Wretch that I am !
f F. Be of good comfort
P. I cannot. I hav# no more grace than a back-stock, .
F. Do you desire grace ?
P. I cannot. I can as well leap over the church*
F. Would you not be in heaven ?
P. I would not.
F. The devil himself would if he could. You have
the testimony of faith : you love the brethren.
P. I do not.
F. Do you not love us ?
. P. No.
F. What is it that most troubles you ?
P. I took too much upon me foolishly. I had got a
little logic and Greek ; and, meanly instructed in the ruleSi
l set myself to read to scholars ; and afterwards undertook
other business which drew my attenUon from them. I
have destroyed a thousand souls.
F. You inay see the falsehood of him that suggesteth
-this unto you. You never had a thousand. The good
efect of your pains appears in many 'of your scholars.
P. They were of themselves capable.
*. F. Name one in whom they do not appear.
* P. There is one, (pointing at a master of arts.)
F. I thank God, that I ever came to you.
P. It is not so. I did foolbhly.
. F. You confess yoii did foolishly;, therefore^ not of
iioalice. Consider what would have become of them^ if ypu
tind not taken them.
* P- Better, far better.
F. All the college know the contrary. ..
f. But I feel it
F. it is iidse : believe not the devil.
fU LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
P. It » too true.
F. When will yon make amends? God will giTC yon
yonr desire.
P. Never.
F. Are you sorry that he will not ?
P. No. There is no ^race in my heart : it is dead. .
F. Whom Grod ioveth once, he loveth to the end.
P. But he never did love me. I deceived myself by t
certain vain-glory.
F. You could say the Lord's prayer, and, tlieiefoie,'caH
Um Father.
P. That I did hypocritically.
F. You must trust in the Lord.
P. I cannot: I cannot. He will not have me.saved. Hii
sentence is passed.
F. Do you desire to be saved ?
P. No.
F. Do you desire to desire ?
P. No.
F. Would you be damned ?
P. No.
F. Look at the sins of other men, as great as ycmis ; ttid
yet they are saved.
P. They are good and godly. They have found grace:
here is the difference. Bfy sins are horrible.
F. I see now how it is. You strictly look back to your
ewn actions for ydur justification, and will have mme of
God's mercy ; and now he hath justly met with you. Your
judgment is just. Do you hope to be justified by your own
merits ?
P, I fear to be danmed for my sins.^ Oh! if you did
but feel my grief only erne hour, you would have ooii»*
passion.
F. If you were in the fire, you would wish to get ouL
P. I had rather be in the fire than here. I took many
things upon me too proudly, and, being neglu^nt, f&[*
formed nothing. Cursed be the day when I took schwis.
If I had not taken them, I had been happy. I was aa
hypocrite, and now there is no hope of comfort for me in
God's presence.
F. W hat would you counsel me to do ?
P. Abide within the bounds of your caUing; Take ^not
too much upon you, and the Lord will bless yon.
F. Will it avail me to hear sermons ?
P. Yes, if you mean to be saved.
PEACOCK. ' 9Xn
F. What good shall I reap thence ?
P. Nothing from bailee hearing. .
F. You know the poor in spirit are blessed.
P. I am not such.
F. You see you are empty of aU good : yon feel your
burden.
P. I may you, ^o your way. (He turned his head
aside, and stopped his ears.)
F. What though you have done but little good ; yet, if
joa have onl^ given a cup of cold water, in Sie name of a
disciple, it will be accepted.
P. Oh! if God—
F. He will give you grace.
P. I doubt it. Oh God, give me a spark of grace, aaid
enlarge my heart to apprehend it.
P. Oh, Mr. Dod ! I have no grace.
Dod. I will not believe every one who saith bc^ btth
grace, nor every one who saith he hath none. A man must
not always be led by sense. You forgive yoUi? enemies and
love them, aid would do them no hurt, if you coold.
P. Yes.
D. Then your sins are forgiven : an hypocrite may ^ve
alms and fast, but this he cannot do. ^
P. That is a small matter.
D. I think it to be a great one ; yea, such a one as I had
need to pray for. That is put for a reason in 'the Lord's
player; and if Christ had thought of any more forcible^
he would have given it.
P. Sir, that is true, in those who are elected.
D. Do not you put an exception where Grod hath put
none. I came hither ixi cheiri^ you; and you love your
• P. I cannot
D. Would yqu rather have bad or good men to be with
yon?
P. Good.
D. Yet you say you do not love them. There is oo
fellowship between light and darkness. Doth your sick*
uess or your sin most trouble you ? And would you hav»
grace, rather than health ?
P. Grace : but it cannot be.
D. Do you desire to be saved ?
P. Infinitely! Oh! if God would give me a drop. But
I feel horror.
I). Do noib you search into the secrets of Grod ?
LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
P. It is too true and manifest.
D. Sir, do nqi always be digging at your sins. A wound
continually rubbed cannot be cured. Suffer the plaster of
the word of God to rest upon it, that it may be healed.
P. Oh, if I had! Oh, if it would pleaseGod! I had
rather than any thing in this or three thousand worlds.
D. Who now giveth this desire unto you ? Ofoursdns
we cannot think a good thought. God giveth both the will
and the deed. A desire is a sure token.
P. But I cannot truly desire. Oh, if he would etdaige
my heart.
D. Cast your burden upon the Lord.
P. He hath rejected me.
D. Who nmde you his counsellor ? Secret things bekmg
to God, but things revealed to us: Will you make
almanacs ?
P. He doth manifest it. Oh, mine abominable bringing
op of youth ! — (He groaned most bitterly.)
D. JBchold we make your state our own^— we have pait
in your sorrow. Who hath thus disposed our heaits ?
P. God.
D. And do you think that he who causeth us to love yon
doth not love you himself?
P. I fear I did too much glory in matters of ^vate
service of God.
D. The devil hath now winnowed you, and yon think all
is gone out; but God holdeth what is his. When aft
earthly father setteth his son on work, he must do it in hit
own strength : but the Lord setteth on work, and givdh
strength.
P. Oh^ my heart is miserable.
D. What then ? A father loveth his son as well whea
he is sleeping as when he is waking. Sir, I have knows
you heretofore^ and although, if I were in your caae^ I nugU
do as you do; yet I should remain the servant of God, ai.
you certainly do. If Jacob could say of Esau, I have seen
thy face as though I had seen the face of God; how muck
more should you think so of the children erf* God who coot
to you.
P. I think God hath begun to give me ease.
D. He will in his good time.
P. Grod grant it.
D. AKhou^ we depart from our friend in the way, wa
shall meet at the end.
. After Mr. Dod was departed, he leoeived a ktterftoBUi
PEACOCK.
■ffectionate friend Mr. Bolton, in which he thus addressed
him : — '' I heard, I know not how,. Uiat my dear christian
nriend Mr. Feacock is in great distress, which hath much
grieved and afflicted my heart, and wrung from me many
Qitter tears. If his extremities be such^ h^ temptations are
likely to be very sore. Tell him from me, as froni one who
did. ever with dearest intimacy know and converse with him,
t&at I can assure him in the word of life and truth, from a
most holy and just Grod, whose minister I am, that he is
undoubtedly one of his saints, designed for inunortality,
and the endless joys of another world."
Upon the reading of Mr. Bolton's letter, at those words,
<< I can assure him,? he said, '' Oh, take heed, take heed.r
I did deceive myself: now God hath revealed more. My
heiirt is broken. " Then," observed one of his friends,
" the promise is yours." " Oh," said he, " I love your
company, for the grace that is in you." He then cried to
fhe Lord, saying, ^^ Oh God, reconcile me unto thee, that
I may taste one dbram of thy grace, by which my miserable
wml may receive comfort. Satan hath borne nie in hand,
and hatn deluded me." A person afterwards coming to
him, and asking him how he did, he replied, <^ My mind
was grievously . puzzled with sundry distractions in the
night; but now, I thank God, I feel my burden more light;
Lord, grant me the comfort of thy deliverance, and for^ve
me my foolishness, that I may praise thy name." An mti-
miate fricadd taking his final leave of him, and asking his
ooonsel, he said, '^ Look to your calling, that it be as well
inward as outward;" and he urged others to be diligent in
prpinotin^ God's glory. Being asked how he did, he said,
^ Oh 1 ifit woulcf please God mat I might live with him :"
.then^ added, << I have been thinking of arguments by which
i. might plead my cause with God, and I have found them.
But what if dyifig thus I should be found an apostate!
Ttmljj'*^ said he, ^< my heart and soul have been far led,
apd deeply troubled with temptations and strifes of con-
fdence ; but, I thank God, they are in a good measure
cased : wherefore I desire that I may not be branded as a
reprobate.''
Afterwards, when he was asked what he thought of l^is
finrmer doctrine, he said, <^ It is most true. In it I have
Uyed, and in it I will die : I have not dealt hypocritical^
in if Being asked whether he was willing to die, he said,
^1 truly submit to the will of God." When it was
jaqj^ipijyfhtOKi he forgave all offences, he replied, ^< Yes,
flid LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
^aad desire that mine may be foKjgyren. I heutiljr \
bmnbly ask forgiTenesB." When it was intimated tint his
convenation had been unblameable, he said, ^ No ; I dait
not affirm it. I trust in nothing but in the name of Jesai
Christ; yet I would not be pressed io a paiticular ■wnrancs
in this grievous agony. Indeed/' said he, ^* I htm beea
bold to argue thus with God : if he hath shewed raenyto
such and such, why should not I likewise have hope. The
Lord is merciful tome, and I have cause of rejiHcing.**
Dr. Airay coming to see him, he ccmipbdned or Ids sia
and misery ; and when the doctor signified that lie looked
SMt fof any thin^ in himself to recommend him to God) he
said, << JNfo, nothing.'' To a number oi joatig geMaatai
who came to see him, he said, << Live in the fear of God^
that jcia may die in his favour. Otherwise die ox and ths
ass wiU condemn you. I spent my time foolishly and pio^
dinlly." When it was observed that he had vemenbofli
this Sv^ientiy, and was advised to remember Christ alM^
he said, *< That is true. Christ is to be lemembered, ani
our sins are to be remembered also."
About two hours brfore his death he expressed himself to
those about him as follows : — '^ You all expect that I dbooU
declare what I think of my own salvation. Truly God ii
for ever so endearingly tender, and so inconoeivabty merci-
All to all those whom he hath once loved, that he dcwi nevcif
finally forsake them. Therefore I am asMired that I AmU pi
to heaven. Happy, thrice happy are those fiettets of afflie^
Hon in which my gracious God hath tied and bound me.***
A fnend having said to him, '^ You have fought a good
fight,'* he answered, << It is requisite, it is requisite tSat I
should contend for heaven. Lift me up; help me out;
carry me hence that I may go to heaven. God doth fiivou^
ably accept the endeavours of his saints." Being remindBd
of Grod^s great mercy to him, he said, << Oh, the sea is not
so full of water, nor the sun of light, as God is of goodnes*
His mercy is ten thousand times more. I do^ God be
praised, feel such comfort in this, that if I had five thotMiri
worlds, I could not make recompense for such tat issue.
How shall I extol the munificence of Grod, which is an^
ftpeakaUe, and more than any heart can conceive ? Lei-vh
with humble reverence, acknowledge Us mat iBertf||*
What great cause have I to magnify the goocmess of CSi^
who hath humbled, nay, rather hath exalted so vnretchlQds
miscreant, and of so base a condition, to ah estate so gloffDis
and stately I T4ie Lord," said he^ << hath bonooxed JM
POWEL. Ul
with his goodness. I am sure he hath provided a gloriotn
kuacdom for me. The joy that I feel in my soul is incre-
dibk. Blessed be God, blessed be God ! I am a thousand
times happy to have such felicity thrown upon me, a poor
wretcbea miscreant.'' After panting a little for breath, he
said, << Lord Jesus, into thy hands I commit my spirit.
LcHrd, receive my soul. Lord, lift thou up the light x>f thy
coimtehance upon me, and be merciful unto me;" and then
fisll asleep in the Lord, December 4, 1611. His remains
were interred in St. Mary's churcli, Oxford.*
'' Mr. Peacock was greatly beloved by many persons of
Ileal worth, on account of his great learning, piety, and
luefiilness. Sir Robert Harley,+ his constant friend and
worthy patron, was particularly kind to him during his
hetLYy affliction, and promised, if the Lord should restoi^
him, to do great things for him. The learned divines who
attended Mr. Peacock in his sickness, as Mr. Dod, Dr.
Airay, and others, were all decided puritans. The author
and publisher of his life were persons of the same stamp.
The latter ^nployed his printer to procure a license for the
work, during the severe persecution of the puritans, in
-1635, but in this he was absolutely refused ; because '' it
was too precise (meaning too puritanical) for those times.*'
It was afterwards licensed by Mr. Edmund Calamy, the
celebrated nonconformist, and published in 1646. From all
these circumstances, we conclude that Mr. Peacock was a
divine of puritanical principles, and ought in justice to be
glassed among the puritan worthies.^
Gabriel Powel, B. D. — This learned person was the
iOB iji Dr. David Powel, the famous antiquary ; born at
Roabon, in Denbighshire, in the year 1575, and educated in
Jeras college, Oxford. Having finished his studies at the
iuuveisity, he became master of the free-school at Ruthen,
IBl his native county. During his abode in the country, he
* Wood's Athenn Oxon. fol. i. p. 802.
^ Mr Robert WM knight of the shire for the county of Hereford, and
~ of the lllot, to which ofice was annexed a salary of four thousand
\ ft year. In 1641 he received a commission from the lionse of com*
to d|M#llih all inag^ cnicifixes, and other obnoxious relics of
I aad Ml commfaaloB was panctually executed. He had consider-
' nice In die hoaie ; and, Uice others of his illustrious fomily, was
IHead aad patroo of learning. He died NoYcmber 0, 1656. —
a. 4T. Edit. 1788.— t7rMi^<r*« Biog. Hist, f ol. ii. p. S69.
HiriM!^ CoaOicii, and Daath of Mr. Peacock.
919 LIVES OF THE PURITANSl.
paid h close application to the writings of the father^ and to
the study of philosophy, and laid a foundation for seTer^
works which he intended to publish. But this not being!
suitable situation ibr the accomplishment of his wishes, be
again returned to Oxford, entered St. MaryVhall, and
wrote and published several learned books. He was one of
those. learned divines who wrote a^inst Bishop Bilson,
concerning Christ's dcscenUiiito hell. On account of the
admirable productions of J.is pen, he obtained ^eat fapM^
especially among the puritans. His high reputation having
spread through the country, Dr. Vauffhan, the pious and
learned Bishop of London, who was a decided friend to the
puritans, invited him to London, made him his domestic
chaplain, and, had he lived much longer, would have done
great things for him. A minister of the same name, .and
most probably the same person, was made prebendary of
Portpool, in the year 1609; but resigned it by death pre-
vious to December SI, 1611.* Wood says he was esteme^
a prodigy of learning, though he died when a little more
than thirty years old ; and had he lived to a greater maturity
of years, it is thought he would have exceeded the famoos
Dr. John Rainolds, or any of the learned heroes of the age:
but he adds, ^' that he was a zealot, and a stiff puritan.'^f
His WoRKS.^l. The Resolved ChristiaD, 1602.— 2. ProdromOs:
or a Logical Resolution of the first Chapter or the Epistle to tbe
Romans, 1602. — 3. Theological and Scholastical Positions conoeniiig
Usnry, 1002.— 4. The Catholicks' Supplication to tbe King for Toler-
ation of Catholic Religion, with Notes and Ohserrations in thf
Margin, 1603. — 5. A Supplication parallel-wise, or Counterpdie of
the Protestants to the .said Kiug, 1603.— 6. A Consideration of Paj^
Reasons of State and Religions, for a Toleration of Popery in £iig-
land, intimated in their Supplication to the King*B Majesty, and tht
State of the present Parliament, 1604.— 7. The Unlawfbinwi and
Danger of Toleration of divers Religions, and Connivance to ccniiatj
Worship in one Monarchy or Kingdom, 1605.-^ A Refutation ofai^
Epistle Apologetical, written by a Puritan-papist to persuade the
Permission of the promiscuous use and profession of all sorto of
Heresies, 1605. — 9. A Consideration of the Deprived and Siientied
Ministers* Arguments for their Restitution to the use and liberty of
their Ministry, exhibited in their late Supplication to this preMUt
Parliaqient, 1606. — 10. Disputationcs Theologicse de Antichrifti^
1606.— 11. De Adiaphoris theses Theologicse et ScholasticaB, iMIb-'
12. Rejoinder unto the Mild Defence, Justifying the Coniideratka
of the Silenced Ministen' Supplication to the Parliament-«^i3i 'A
Comment on the Pecalogne. — Most of the above artieles ps*^
through several editions.
• Newcoart*8 Repert. Ecd. vol. i. p. 201.
f ^ood*i Athenis Ozon. vol. i. p. 894, 394.~
T.HOLLAND. *W
? Thomas Holland^ D. D. — This celebrated scholar and
divine was bom at Ludlow in Shropshire, in the year
1539, and educated in Exeter college, Oxford ; where
lie took his degrees with ^eat applause.' In 1589 he
mcceeded Dr. Lawrence Humphrey, as king's pro-
ftssHOr of divinity ; and in 1592, was elected master of
fixeter college, being accounted a prodigy in almost al}
kuids of literature. His distinguished reputation was not
confined to his own country. He was higlily admired in
tke foreign universities, as well as in our own public semi-
naries. During his professorship, many persons eminent
fer learning and piety were his scholars, who afterwards
,became conspicuous ornaments in the church and the
commonwealth.
1 Dr. Holland was a thorough Calvinist in his vietv s of the
doctrines of the gospel, and a decided nonconformist in
iritattexs of ceremony and discipline. In one of his public
^C^s at the university, he boldly maintained that bishops
ifeie no 4istinct order from presbyters, nor at all superior
^.them, according to the word of God. He was a most
(jsalous opposer of the innovations in doctrine, worship, and
ceremonies, intended to be introduced into the university of
^xfonl, by Bancroft, Neile, and Laud.* In the year 1604
iHr., .William Laud, afterwards the famous archbishop, per-
fyxwing his exercise for bachelor of divinity, maintained,
^ That there could be no true churches without diocesan
episcopacy ;" for which, it is said. Dr. Holland sharply
lebuked, and publicly disgraced him, as one who endea-
wared to. sow discord among brethren, and between the
(^rch of EIngland and the reformed churches abroad.f
During the above year. Dr. Holland was one of the Oxford
OiTines'appdinted by King James to draw up a new trans-
Ifition of the Bible ; and he had a considerable hand in that
J^aimed and laborious work. This is the translation now in
. Towards the close of Ufe^ this celebrated divine spent
qpost of his time in meditation and prayer. Sickness, old
r, and its infirmities, served only to increase his ardour
heaven. He loved God, p^nd longed to enjoy him. His
iaml was fcmned for heaven. He could find no rest out of
p^ven ; and his end was peace. Finding the hour of his
O^i^arture near at hand, he exclaimed, ^' Come, O come
i
.118. ChroDology, vol. ii. p. 635. (2.)
MB. Renvkt, p. 583. — Canterburies Doome, p. 389.
" 1*1 mH4 of Refor. ? ol. U. Rcc. p. 367.
^^
214 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Lord Jesus, thou bright Morning Star ! Gome, Lord Jesus:
I desire to be dissolved, and be with thee." Herein Ui
request was granted. Jesus crowned him with glory,
immortality, and eternal life, March 17, 161S, a^ed seraity-
three years. His remains were interred in the chancel of SL
Mary^s church, Oxford, with great funeral solemnity and
universal lamentation. He was succeeded in tlie pro-
fessor's chair by Dr. Robert Abbot, afterwards Bishop of
Snlisbury.»
Dr. Xilhy, who preaclicd his funeral sermon, mm
the followiii'i^ account of him : ^^ He had a wonderfhl
kiiowleilgc of all the learned languages, and of all arts and
sciences, both human and divine. He was mighty in the
scriptures; and so familiarly acquainted with we faiheBB^-
as if he himself had been one of them ; and so versed in
the schoolmen, as if he were the seraphic doctor. He wa%>
tlierefore, most worthy of the divinity chair, whiqh he filled
about twentv years, with distinguished approbation aal
ap])lause. He was so celebrated tor his preaching, teading/
disputing, moderating, and all other excellent qualificatioiiii
that all who knew him conunended him, and all who heafa'
of him admired him.
^^ His life was so answerable to his learning, that it was
difficult to say which was most to be admired. He was sDot
like those, who when they become learned cease to do weD;
nor like those, who by their learning, aspire after riches,
honours, or preferments ; but his learning was so sanctifled'
by the Holy Ghost, that he ever aspired towards the kingdiMfi
of heaven. His lite and conversation w6re so holy, upii||M
and sanctified, that in him the fruits of the Spirit gMklljr
abounded: as, love, joy, peace, gentleness, medknea^
temperance, and brotherly kindness. He was so zealons in
advocate for the purity of the gospel, both in faith and
worship, and had so great an -aversion to all innovatko,
superstition and idolaStry, that previous to his going a
journey, he constanilv called together the fellows of ikt
college, and delivered to them this charge : < I commend'
* This most pious and learned prelafe, brother to Arehbiiluip AUMi
distlDipiished himself by writing in defence of Mr. WUlitti FntiM^
«' Reformed Catholic,'* against Dr. WiUiam Bbhop, tbeo • tecriM^
prieft, but afterwards, in the pope's style, a titalar biihop of CbakcdM*
when Abbot was offered the bishopric of Salisbary, it wai with
icreat dificnlty he conld be pressed to accept it; insomach, that wheite
attended at conrt, to do his homage afker his conaecratioa. Kiss ii
Abbot, I have had very mach to d« ta
pleasanUy said to him, ^
a bishop I tnit 1 know bo reason for it, onicn it' were becaaw tW« kM
writfoi agaiiM oae.*'^lli0^. Britmm. ? oL i. p. »» 8S. Edit, ma
BR0U6HT0N. SIS
joii Id the loye of God, and to the hatred <^ all pcq)ery and
suMi#itioo.' "• The Oxford historian denominates him <* a
9QUd preacher, a most noted disputant, and a most learned
divine/'f It does not appear whether he was any relatioii
to Mr* John Holland, another excellent puritan diyine.
Dr* Holland published several learned orations, and a
9ennon on Mat. xii. 48, printed IGOl ; and left many
■lanuscripts ready for the press, which, fiedling into the
luuids of those unfriendly to the puritans, were nerer
paUished. ,
. HuoH Broughtok. — This celebrated penoa was bom
lit Oldbury in Shropshire, bordering on Wal^, in 1549, and
descended from an ancient and a wealthy family. Ho
9DoeiYed his grammar learning under tl^ famous Mr*
Bernard iGilpin, at Houghton in the Spring, near Darham;
irho sent him to Christ^s collie, Cambridge, where lie
ns afterwards chosen fellow.t He was also elected one of
W taxers of the university, preferred to a prebend in
4ie church of Durham, and chosen reader of divinity at
OorAam* In the year 1579, after enjcqring his fellowship
several years, he was deprived of it by the vice-chanceDor
Md others. Though he was censured in this manner, it
W9S not for want of learning, or for any blemish in his cha-
lacter, but on account of some trivial irregularity in his
admission to, or continuance in, that pvrferment. Bfr*
Brao^ton was a man of ^reat celebrity ; and he had many*
able Sriends, who, at this juncture, pleaded his cause, and
Sve high commendations of his character. The Bishop of
orham became hk zealous advocate, and wrote a letter,
dated December 14, 1579, to Lord Burleigh, chancellor of
• KHbjp'i FoBcral Sermon for Dr. HoUand.
f Wood^s Athene Oxon. vol. i. p. 380.
' J TiMfoUowing anecdote is related of Mr. Brooghton :— At the celebrated^
Beniard Gilpin was once traveliinf to Oxford « he obserred a boy befiM«
Ifte, MBMlimei walking, and sometimes running. When he came op to him»
oMenring him to be a youth of an agreeable and promising aspect, Im
•aked him whence be came, and whither he vv as going. The hoy told him»
that he came out of Wales, and was going to Oxford, in order to be «
scholar. Mr. Gilpin having examined him, found him expert in the Latin,
■ad possessed of a smatteriag of Greeli; and was so pleased with his ap*
pcarance, and the qoichness of his replies, that he inquired if he would go
with him, and he woald provide for his education. The youth agreed to
the generous proponl, and went with him to Houghton i where he mado
woodcrfnl proPclency both in Greek and Hebrew i and Mr. Gilpia after-
wwds lent him to finish his education at Cambridge.-r^JPWIfr*« Jih$i JML
Y* S88.-^€hnrr« JBccl. BUL p. 764.
816 LIVES OP THE PURITANS.
the university, earnestly soliciti^ that Mr. Bronghtdi^
notwithstanding his preferment at Durham, might stiU con-
tinue to hold his fellowship. The Ekurls of Hiintingdoii
and Essex, at the same time, warmly espoused his ctfnse^
and jointly addressed a letter, dated February S4, 1580, to
the worthy chancellor, in his favour. The two ndUe
e arsons speak in this letter in high commendation of Bfr.
roughton's learning, obedience and circumspection ; and
observe, that only want of maintenance in the univeiritf
had induced him to accept of the above prebend, which,
however, he was more willing to resign than lose his place in
the university. " This," it is added, " shewed the good mind
that was in him."* JLiord Burleigh addressed a ' letter,
dated October 20, 1580, to Dr. Hatcher, the vice-chancdlor,
and Dr. Hawford, master of the college, in which he expresKS
with great warmth bis disapprobation of their conduct, and
the conduct of the fellows, in their unjust treatment of Ur.
Broughton.f Therefore, after much opposition, he was, in
1581, by an order from this generous and worthy statewnan,
again admitted to his fellowsiiip ; though it does not aj^pear
whether he returned any more to the cou^e.^ In the mein
time he very generously resigned the office of taxer €i the
universitv.^
Mr. Broughton having left the university, removed ta
London, where he had many worthy friends, amcmg whom
were the two earls already mentioned; also Sir WaBcr
M ildmay, and others. About the same time, he entettd
upon the ministerial function ; but still pursued his studies
with uncommon assiduity, usually spending fourteen ix
sixteen hours a day in the most intense applic^timi. In Us
preaching, he commonly took a text out of the. Old Testa-
ment, and a parallel text out of the New Testament, aAd'
discoursed pretty largely upon them in their connexioo,
then concluded with a shoil and close application of the
doctrine. His preaching soon rendered nun exceeding!/
popular, and he was very much followed, particulady bjT
Eersons celebrated for learning. But that which raidevri
im most known to the world was the publication of his
book, entitled, " A Consent of Scriptures. It was the fruit
of immense labour and study, and is a kind of system of
scripture chronology and genealogy, designed to shew
from the scriptures, the chronologiod order of events from
• Baker*8 MS. CoUec. toI. iv. p. 91. f Ibid, fol.z. p. 300. ■■
t Strype'g Aonajs, yol. ii. p. 618—614.
§ Baker's MS Cbllec. vol. iii. p. 483.
BROUGHTON. 217
Adam to Christ. The work was published in the year
1588; and, while it was printing, the famous Mr. John
Speed superintended the press.* It was dedicated to Queen
£Iizabetb, to whom it was presented by himself the 17th of
November, 1589. In this dedication he says, " The whole
Book of God, most gracious sovereign, hath so great an
lianncmy, that every part of it may be known to breathe
from one Spirit. All soundeth the same point, that by
Christ the Son eternal, we are made heirs of life : wl^om
they that know not abide always in wrath. Prophecies in
every age, (the first ages larger, the later narrower,) all
briefly told, all events fully recorded : these shew the con-
stancy of this truth. The like revolutions are of Abraham,
Jacob, and his children, together of Shem's house: and
again to Japheth's sons, and all families: wherein the
fiirmer be stamps of the latter : so that in one speech another
thing also is spoken. These shew the eye of Jehovah, and
his Spirit. The kindreds, places, and times (the lights of
narrations) are registered so profitably, that it should be a
blasphemy to affirm any one to be idle. Our Lord^s
fiithers are recorded from Adam, by David and Nathan, to
his grandfather Ely : likewise they, after whom he is heir
to the kingdom of David : Solomon's line so long as it con-
tinued, and afterwards they who from Nathan were heirs to
Soloihon^s house. So other families, who came all of one, as
from them all come : they by Moses and the prophets be
plentifully expressed. In like sort the places of their
dwellings are clearly taught. The course of time is most
certainly to be observed; even to the fulness, the year of
salvation, wherein our Lord died. Of which time the very
. hour was foretold by an angel, not seven YCSlxs before, but
seventy times seven years, Dan. ix. 24. To this all other
Hebrews, and profane Greeks, bear witness strongly a^inst
themselves. These helps be stars in the story. The frame
* Mr. Speed, who was brought up a tailor, was, by his acquaintance
with Mr. BroBghton, become particularly studious, and, by his directions,
wai deeply versed in a knowledge of the scriptures. Also, by the
generosity of Sir Fulke Gravile, bis patron, he was set free from a manoal
employment, and enabled to pursue his studies, to which he was strongly
iDcliiicd by the bent of his genius. The fruits of them were his ** Theatre-
of Great Britain ; Genealogies of Scripture ; and History of Great Britain,"
works of immense labour ; the last of which, in its kind, was incomparably
iqpre ^complete than all the histories of bis predecessors pot together. Mr.
Broughton -had a considerable share in the '* Genealogies ;" bat wheo fhe
work came to be published, '* because the bishops woald not endare to have
Mr« Bfongfatoo's name prefixed, Mr. Speed went away with all the credit
mod profit.'*^Gterifc*f JLtvei, last toI. part i. p. 2.— Ormf er't ^Mif* HM'
vol. ii. p. Sm-^Biog. BrUnn. yoI. if. p. 67. Edit. 17T8. - ' • ^ ^
SIS LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
of all this, with coupling of joints and proportien of bodj^
will much allure to study, when it is seen how about out
work, (religion and Go^s way of salvation,) all fiuniliesii
countries, and ages, build or pull down : and find th#
kindness or sererity of God."*
The learned author took great pains to shew, that the
heathen chronology containednumerous inoMisiBteDGiea and
contradictions, while the sacred history was perfectly deur
from these imperfections. However, no sooner was his book
published, than it met with great opposition. ArchbisliO|l
Whitgift, at first, so exceedingly disUked the perfcmnaiioe^
that he would have called the author to an account for soma
things contained in it ; but, to avoid the hi^ oommisiioii^
Mr. Broughton fled into Germany. This, indeed^ greatly,
excited the general clamour against the book, ana visry
much increased the number of its adversaries ; nevertlidiesii^
Bishop Aylmer, in commendation of the work, said, *^ That
one scholar of right judgment, would prove all its adnt*
caries foolish."+ Notwithstanding this, Dr. Rainoldi dt
Oxford, and Mr. Lively of Cambridge, both learned pnw
fessors in those imiversities, read pubucly against the book.
Mr. Broughton used to call this work, << ms little book of
great pains:'.' for it cost him many years study; and
when it was published, he had to write and puUiah ia
defence of it, against the exceptions of the above divintf*
By the allowance of the queen and council, he Altered upoa
its defence, in public lectures in St. Paul's church, wiMS
the lord mayor, some of the most learned of the bishopi,!
and other persons of distinction, were at his audience;-
Others of the bishops, however, could not endure, these.
exercises, calling them dangerous conventides; and theiefoie
brought complamts against him, and put down his lecture.
He and his friends afterwards assembled privately, at
various places in the city, as they found opportumty4
During Mr. Broughton's continuance in London, he mostly
resided in the house of Mr. William Cotton ;S whose soOy-
afterwards Sir Rowland Cotton, he instructed in the Hebrew
language. His young pupil obtained so exact a knowledge
of the language, that at the age of seven or eight years he-
could translate almost any chapter of the Bible into £iiglish|
• Biog. Britan. toI. ii. p. 606. f Strype'i Aylmer, p, 949.
:( Clark*s Uvet, p« 3.
^ Mr. Roger Coltoo, brother to this persoo, was one of Ifr. ttnamlrttrt
true ichelan. He read tlie wbole Bible throacb tmekf iimm la oM^flar^^
/M42.P.4.
BROUGHTON. 2W
and conyerse -with the greatest ease in Hebrew.* Mr.
William Cowper, afterwards Bishop of Galloway, was
another of his pupils.f
■ Mr.^ Broughton was a zealous advocate for the purity of
the sacred text both of the Old and New Testament. " In '
the prophet Daniel's time, and afterwards/' says he, <^ the
sacied tongues were changed : it wUl not therefore be amiss '
to speak something of God's counsel in this matter. Adam
add Eve's tongue continued, commonly spoken bv the Jews,
until the captivity of Babylon, and the understanding'
thereof, when Haggai and Zachary prophesied, in the nex£
age. In this tongue every book of the Old Testament is
written m a style inimitable. The characters and points
are the same as those written by God on the two tables.
The Masorites, of whom £zra was chief, with an Argus-
eyed diligence so keep the letters and words, that none of
them can perish. The sense of the tongue is preserved for
us by the LXX, the N. T. And the Talmudic phrase by
them, who in their schools still kept their tongue. By the
hdp of the LXX. and N. T. we may excel all the rabbins.
For tbeur study is more easy to us than to them, in regard-
that they imitate the Greeks in their fables and expressions,
and we have above them God, an heavenly interpreter for
us in all the N. T. which, both for the infinite elegance and
vaiiety of its words, is most divinely eloquent. In it ore
the choice words of all kind of all Greek writers, nor can *
they all, without some fragments of the ancients, and the
LXX. shew all the words in it. It hath also some new-framed
Words, as all chief authors have, and all brave expressions ;
so that if any one would study in another tongue to express
the like elegancy, he may as well fly with Daedalus^s wax-
wing, and miscarry in the attempt. In the N. T. is a
fourfdd Greek, 1. common; 2. the LXX. Greek; 3. the
Apostolic; 4. the Talmudic. The uncorruptness of the*
ff. T. text is undoubted to all who know the Hebrew
tonsaej history, and the exact Athenian eloquence. And
such as pretend "to correct it, do debase the majesty of both '
* This accovDt may appear to some almost incredible. Mr. Broughton*s
method of iDatmction was singular. He bad his young pupil constantly
with him, and invariably required him to speak, both to himself and others.
In Hebrew. He also drew up a vocabulary, which young Cotton con,-
•tantly used. In this vocabulary he fixed on some place, or thing, then'
named all the particiilars i)elonging to it : as, heaven, angels, sun, moon,
•tan, clouds, &c.; or, a house, door^ wIndoW) parloar, &g. ; a field,
rnuB, flowers, trees, &c. — IMd.
f Ckirk*f EccU Hiit. p.809.
980 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Testaments, by unskilful altering what God spake most
divinely. The r^uling, therefore, of the apostles in these
matters will call together Homer, Hesiod, iEschylus, Pni-'
darus, and others of the coasts of Illyricum: as atw
Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes, Aratus, Menander,
Callimachus, Epimenides, Plato, Aristotle, and all the
orators and historians of Grecian writing in the time ^dwii .
this tongue flourished.'**
He maintained that the gospel of St. Matthew was origi*
nally written in Greek. " The New Testament," says he^
<< was all originally in Greek. St. MaUhew's gospel wis
written at the first in that heavenly oratorious Greek which
we now have : and if the Holy Ghost had written it in the
Jews' Jerusalem Hebrew, the holy learned of old time would
have kept it with more care than jewellers all precious stcmes.
We accuse antiquity of great ungodliness, when we scr
8t. Matthew wrote in Hebrew, but antiquity lost that gospel*
So St. Paul wrote in Greek to the Hebrews, in thoso^
syllables which we have to this day ; and the style hath:
allusions, which the Jews' tongue hath not : which shcwetk
the original to be in Greek. The apostles wrote the Neir
Testament in Greek, with such skill, that they go through
all kind of Greek writers. They have words in their little
book, good Greek, which Greeks have only in fragmeate^
reserved by God's providence to honour the New Teshi-
ment."f
This is the high character which our divine gives of the^
elegance and purity of the apostolic writings. His senti--
ments were equally exalted concerning the sacred records of
the Old Testament. He made the following observatioos-
upon the Book of Job : " There never was a book written,'*
says he, <^ since the pen became the tongue of a writer, of
a more curious style than Job; in verse of many sorts, and-
use of words more nice than any Greek or Latin writeth;
and for grammar, hath more tricks and difficulty than all the
Bible beside, Arabizing much ; but fuller of Hebrew depth
of language. God saw it needful to honour with h style ot^
all ornaments the particular case of Job, lest it should be
despised or thought a feigned matter; and, therefore, aave
that book a more curious style than any other part of the'
Bible; and such depth of skill in the tongue, as no rabbia
could be thought ever to have in the holy tongue."j
Mr. Broughton, as we have already intimated, fled to^
• Bioi:. Britan. toI. ii. p. 606. f Ibid. p. 607.
t Ibid. p. 609.
BRpyqHTOxV. £U
Germany, where he had many disputatbns with Jetrs and
Prists. Previous, however, ii) his departure, he wrote
a letter, dated March 27, 1590, to his vorthy friend Loi4
Burleigh, desiring permission to go abroad, particularly
with a view toins^e use of King Casimr's library; and he
no doubt obtained the fevour.* He yos always firm' and
ooarageous in the defence of truth; di which account he
sometimes brought himself into dangear, by openly exposing
the errors and superstitions of poperj. He.had a public
disputation with Rabbi EUias, a learmd Jew in the syna-
gogue at Frankfort. They disputed unier an oath, that Grod
might immediately strike him dead who should, on that
•ccasion, speak ccHitrary to the dictaes of his conscience.
In the condusion, the Jew departed n^ without some proofs
of advantage, desiring to be taught )y his writings. An
account of this conference was carrtd to Constantinople,
where it excited very considerable attention among the
Jews.f Not only did Mr. Broughto/s arguments in ravour
af Christianity make a deep impressyn upon Rabbi Elias ;
but he also adds, ^' After my retim from Zurich, two
Italian Jews came thither, and seeiig what I had printed,
especially upon Daniel, believed aid were baptized, and
came to Basil to see me." " Anotler," says he, " is now
in £ndand, as I hear; who, by myoccasion, embraced the
In the year 1591, Mr. Broughtoivstumed from Germany^
particularly with a view to settle te controversy betwixt
fflffl»df and Dr. Rainolds. He hfi an earnest but absurd
desire to have the dispute settled ]^' public authority. In
one of his addresses to the queen, faisays, " Your majesty's
signification of your princely detnnination would break
young braving students, whom reaon in such unexpected
floik cannot bend . " Speaking of hnself and his opponent,
be 'says, '' His fame of learning, .nd my more confident
resistance, maketh many think mt the scripture is hard,
where our long labours differ, ^he fault is intolerable,
either in him or in me ; and the fidty should be forced to
yield, that none may think amiss^f God's word. Wbil«
divines jar in their narrations, fah is weakened, and all
study of scripture ; and old confined errors have disgraced
all the holy story, that without iheinforcement of authority j
students will hardly yield to therutb." He solicited the
queen to command the archbishos, and both universities^
* Baker's MS. CoUec. yoI. iv. p. OS. ^ Clark's Lives, p. «.
X Bi«g. BritfUi. vol. ii. p. 608.
/
LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
to ddeimiiie the points in contest betweai him and* hh
learned opponent.* Mott persons at this period, and, aiaoif
others, the leamec Hugh Brooghton, Imd reij errooeoak
conceptions of thegrand principles of protestantism; and
their views of religons freedom were erbemdy inconsistent
and absurd.
The controversy, lowever, was not determined faj jniblic
authority, but rdered to the arbitration of Aichbidiaa
Wbitgiil and Bishcp Aylmer. Though an entire pacifr
cation could not be iflfected, the result appears to have been
greatly in favour oi Mr. Brou^hton. For, although the
archbishop exceedinrly disliked Broughton's book, whoa
it was first publishec^ vet, upon cool uid matnre ddflben^
tion, he openly declaed on this occasion, ^' That never any
human pains were of greater travail and dexterity, to cleir
up the holy story, aid against errors of fifteen hundred
years standing, than a>peared in the book of Consent."f
The fdlowing year Mr. Broughton again retired tft
Grcrmanv. He had i powerful adversary at conrC^ wh6
hinderea him from obaining those preferments whicii, it ii
said, the queen desiged to confer upon him. Notwifr
standing Whitgift's hi;h opinion of his book, this ppM
adversary was the arcbishc^ himself; who, it is pontivdy
affirmed, laid wait for hm, and even ofiered a sum of money
to any. who would apprhend him4 Mr. Broughton, in one
cxf bis addresses to tnequeen, complains that her minaty
was prejudiced against him by means of the ai€hbidi0[h
whom he represents asci person of no great learning, and
speaks of his bare Latbstudies.S
Mr. Broughton, dung his abode on the continent
formed an acquaintancewilh the learned Scaliger, Repbe-
lengius, Junius, Beza, nd other celebrated scholars. He
received great fiivour torn the Archbishop of Ments^ to
whom he dedicated hi translation of the prophets into
Greek. He was highlyesteemed by many of the leamed
Jesuits; and though hevas a bold and inflexible enemy to
popery, he was o^red acardinal's cap.||
The article of our Sav>ur*s local descent into hell begaa
about this time to be qestioned. It had hitherto hetA
the received doctrine oithe church of England, that the
soul of Christ, being sej^ted from his body, descended
locally into hell ; that, ai he had already conquered detik
• Bios. BritaD. vol. ii. p. 60' f . Strype*8 Whitgifl, p* .»^
} Clark's Lives, p. &. ^ Biog. Britan. toI. It. p. 91Q,
I Clark's Lives, p. 5. '
BROUGHTOK C23
wmA im, lie might tritiniph crrar Satan. Bat Mr. BrougbtcMi^
lieooiuited the very rabbi of the age, conyinced the world
Hmt Che word hacksy as used by the Greek fathers for the
phce into which Christ went after his crucifixion, did not
mean hell^ or the place of the damned, but only the state of
the dead, or the invisible world.* He was the first of our
countrymen who gave this explanation ; which he did in a
jpiece that be published, entitled, ^^ An Explication of the
•article of Christ's Descent to Hell." This proved the occa-
sion of much controversy, and' his opinion, now generally
nd justly received, was vehemently opposed. His twd
frincipal opponents in this controversy were Archbishop
Whil^ift and Bishop Bilson ; the latter of whom, in the
IhurmSi of disputation, he treated with some degree of
contempt, and said of him, ^< Verily I was amazed, when I
nad his words, to see what a very infant in his mother's lap
lie ifi in the Greek tongue."f
' Oki this subject he addressed <^ An Oration to the Gene^
Mans,"' which was printed in Greek. In this piece he treats
the cdiebfated Beza with much severity; but he supports
Ub opinion, concerning tiie meaning of the word hadesj in
the OMist satiriistctory ami conclusive manner, by many quo-
Mhmis from Homer, Plato, Pindar, Diogenes, Laertius, and
Mher Greek writers. Bayle says, that our author '^ was
Modigtottsly attm:hed to the dusciidine of the church of
^E^land, and he censured, in very bitter language, that of
tte mesbyterians. The oration which he addressed to
the Geneveans, is a very strong proof of this assertion."
It is observed, however, in reply, that this oration does
not, by any means, prove all that Bayle supposes. Allow-
Imce being made for Mr. Broughton's rough method of
%xpressing himself, says the learned bio^apher, we think it
does not appear from his Oration to uie Geneveans, that
4i0 had any great aversion to them or their discipline,
fito^pting a few sarcastic sentences, we can discern little
ttoittiosity against them but with respect to the particular
fldMect of which he treated, the interpretation of the word
kmksj in which the church at Geneva difiered from what
te justly supposed to be the truth. He intimated also to the
Cmaeveans, that they spoke unguardedly and impropeily
on the subject of predestination; and that their desire to
tli^^ithrow Pelagius made them deal their words with more
teat than discretion.]: Mr. Broughton was so celebrated
"9. 8trype*s Whitglft, p. 482^ 488.— Strype's Aylmer^ p. iMSy%^%
f Biog. Britao. yqK ii. p. 609. . ^ t Wii.
22/k LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
in all kinds of Hebrew learning, that be was invitfid tn^
Constantinople, for the purpose of instructing the Jews :ia
the christian religion ; and King James of Scotland in-
vited him to become professor of Hebrew in one of Die
Scotch universities.*
Mr. Broughton, after his second return to his natiTe
country, wrote two letters to Lord EUsmer, the lord chan-
cellor of England; in which he gives a circumstantial,
account of his various literary pursuits, and warmly cea-
Bures the ungenerous and cruel treatment he received frqa
the Archbishop of Canterbury. ^^ I have," says he, << ooni-
Eiled two books, a beginning for many in the kind. One il
[cbrew, exactly in the prophets^ Hebrew, with a labfaju
epistle, in rabbin style. The other is Elcclesiastes appUod
to that question. Wherefore was the book made ? 1 was
greatly injured. For the rabbin. Archbishop WhitgifL
sent mc word, that he would allow for answering, if I woqid
entreat him. I returned, entreated I will, but not enticit
to have a burden, which I wish others would bear* Sega
after, he libelleth that I forged the epi^e. If for that he
had been rent in pieces by wild horses, his .punishment had
been too little, as a forgerer deserved. So since he Inxp*
rowed the oath to that viilany, God never ceased to pLpfo^
the realm, and not a little by giving bishops over to t^^
that our Lord went down hence to hell. To repent of tlu^
and promise j^400 per annum to their teacher to confinn .;
the truth, and then to bark like a Ccrljerus against the tmtk {
and themselves. Then to feign an impossibility in Greek| ]
that our Lord went from paradise to hades, which no |
Grecian would ever say."f I
Mr. Broughton was a most profound scholar, particulailj
in critical and exact knowlec^e of Greek and Ilebrew. at
directed his elaborate studies chiefly to a minute examina*
tion of the scriptures in their original languages. He
found the authorized English translation extremiely de-
fective, and therefore used his utmost endeavours to
obtain a new translation. With a view to accompluk
this great object, he addressed the following letter ^To
the right honourable Sir William Cecily lord h^
treasurer :"t
" Kight Honourable.
<^ Sundry lords, and amongst them some bishops, bended
doctors and othejr inferiors of all sorts, have requested — '
• Strypc'8 Whitglft, p. 432, 626—530. + HarleiaD M88. No.-ieT.
t Baker*! MS. CoUec. vol. ^t. p. 94. . . r
r - -
BROUGHTON. ittS
to bestow my long studies in Hebrew and Greek 'Writen,
Upon some clearing of the Bible's translation. They jadged
lightly that it must be amended ; but in what points, I
tfamk it not good largely to tell in words till it be per«
fiyrmed in work ; that it be less disgraced which we now
tiae. All of knowledge and conscience will grant, that
much better it may be. This motion hath been made long
ago ; and her majesty sent word and message to Sir Francis
Walsingham, that it must be considered. His highness
Aieant to take opportunity, but other weighty affairs suffered
kuDl not All this while my prayer and charge have been
•pent in preparaticm that way. And, furthermore, I thought
gtod lAyseli to m^e motion to such as I held woilJiiest
ttid fittest to be contributors to the charge, findii^ by
experience lAiat- pcrblic motions take further time of delay
than the whole work requireth : and your lordship I held
one of the worthiest to be a contributor, for the main-
taSante of some six of us, the longest students in the tongues,
fe join together; as well not to alter any thing which
iBay 'Aland still, (as in Moses and all the stories neraeth not
aiach- amendment,) as to omit nothing which carrieth open
ttiitriith ag^dnst the story and religion, or darkness dis-
atanidlihff the writer. In which kind. Job and the prophets
aiay be brought- to speak far better unto us; and all may
baye sh(»rt notes of large use, with maps of geography
USd tables of chronology. To this, if it please your lord-
ihip to be a ready helper, your example will stir others
to a more needful concern than was the amendment of the
temple in King Josiah's time.
'^ Your lordship's to command,
*< Hugh Broughtokt."
In thfe above generous proposal, Mr. Broughton had to
cnoouhter insurmountable difficulties ; and howeyer desirous
foe treasurer might be to promote so excellent and laudable
an undertaking, the worthy design utterly failed. Not
long after he addressed another letter to this celebrated
Jl^tesman,.of which the following is a copy :•
*Ht To the Right Honourable my Lord Treasurer.
' }^ My duty remembered to your lordship. I have two
fctitiefts at once to your honour ; but such as neither, I
Wiwj need greatly trouUe you. I have been requested by
Ajers^^ for Myself, to make motion for the archbishopric
tf^'Tfiam (hot worth above jf SOO) in Ireland. By reasim
• Baker*! MS. CoUec; yoI. fr. p. 94.
LIVES OF THE PURITANSL
tliat tft yean a^, I took a littk soil tlmey I CMild muxft
of it, if her majeslj will, and it be no trouble to jam
booour to speak to her hie hness for it. Bmi I kave it to
your saire direction. The oQier petition is of somevbat ks
pains. The rcrerend and learned man. Dr. Rainohk, vho,
at I fhink, hath ereatl^ hindered all his own and our
religion, is now, 1 think, in London : with whom, if I
might talk but two words, before your hxdship^ a pncififit-
tion, as I judge, might be made. I would demand what one
woid of my book he dare blame, with any colour of icmqu;
and shew that if iiLs course had not been ^^^^ he ofend
adyantage to turn all the sway of the BiUe aeaimt him.
By open speech it may best be declared. Your hononr belt
knoweth your own leibuie. So I conunend boCb the
causes to yourself, and your health to God. LnndflPj
May 16, 1595.
^^ Your lordship^B io command,
^ Hugh Brouohtov."
It does not appear what answer BIr. Brongbton leodfri
to this letter; but he certainly failed <x gaining tiha
object of his former petiticm, if not of the latter abo. Hii
second return to EWlaiid was at the time when the plspin
was in London. His old friends were much suipnsea to
see him in a season of so much affliction.. He was piiti-
cularly cheerful and happy, and not the least afiraid tfille
distemper. His conversation very much sayooied of the
kingdom of God, and he spoke upon divine sulgects ffu/ij
io their edification. In the year 160S, he preached ufae
Prince Henry at Oatlands. He did not, however, oontiBae
long in his native country, but went abroad a Uiird tim^
and was chosen preacher to the English congK«ation.it
Middleburg. During his abode at this place^ be sept a
curious petition to King James, now of En^and^ leqnoU
ing the favour of a pension, aa the rewara of bis mmi-
foul labours and suuerings ; of which the foUowing »
a copy:*
<< Most gracious Sovereign. .
^^ Your nmesty's most humble subjecft, Hugh Brongb-
ton, having suTOred many years danger iot pnbluhing yW
right and God's truth, by your unlearned bisbona, wb
spent two impressions of libels to disgrace their Sc
mist; which libels their stationers deny that ever
sold. He requesteth your majesty's favour for a pcoM*
• Harkian MSS. No. 787.
«J6 «
• 6R0UGHT0N. fm
0t for bis age, study,* and past travels, bearing always a
aoet dytiyiUl beart.to your majesty. From Auddleburg^
Aug. 1604.
" Your most bumble servant,
' - , " Hugh Bboughton.'*
* Wbile pur divine was at Middleburg, besides the cai#
fOi his congregation, he published his smart discourse
.against Archbishop Biancron, and sent the whole impression
to Mr.. William Cotton j younger brother to Sir Rowland
](^Q|tton, livinff in. London; v^^^h a request, if he dare
.tniture, to ddiver a cdpy into the hands of the archbishop.
Mr. Cotton was not without apprehension of danger; yet
lie could not well deny Mr. Broughtoa's request. Thereforej
lie waited upon the archbishop, and, after making the
DBquisite apology, delivered a copy of the book into hi$
lands, politely asking pardon for his great boldness.
[rj[y>il#h his grace treated him with all the civility that
,pral4 jb^ve been desired, he was no sooner dismissed than
ihe arctibishop^s officers came to his lodgings, seized all the
books tbi^ could find, and carried them away. This was
Btacroft's short and easy method of refuting the arguments
it his learnjsd opponent !''*
' Mr. Broiighton having a complaint settled on his lungs^
■nd being desirous of dying in his own country, returned
■t' length the third and last time to England. In the
iQCMith of November, 1611, he landed at Gravesend; and
vjpcm his arrival in London, told his friends that he was
oome to die in his native country ; and if it was the will
of. God, he wished to die in Shropshire, his native county.
Therefore, Sir Rowland Cotton, formerly his pupil, pro-
fided suitable accommodations for him, at his house in
Shropshire. Herein, however, both the pupil and the
^iknr were disappointed.' He continued in JLondon during
Ae .winter, and in the following spring removed to a
tfoiteble situation in the vicinity.
During his confinement imder affliction, Mr. Broughton
Stye his friends many pious and profitable Exhortations.
eoS/ea urged them to observe practical religion, saying,
"^Stildy your Bible. Labour for the salvation of one
JH^ iinother. Be peaceable. Meddle with your oiifn matters.
wlSkfme judgment will come upon this kingdom. Never
i*fear popery : It will never overflow the findw But the
If eooirse which the bishops take will fili the land with
* Clark*! LtTWy p. 6.
228 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
<< atheism. Meddle not in the quarrel." As he drew near lui
end, he said, <* Satan hath assatdted me: but the^Sonitf
<< God hath rebuked him, and spoken comfortable words to
<< my soul." A litde before nis departure, he became
speechless: yet his friends asking whether they should
gray with him, he signified his warmest approbation bj
fling up both his hands. Soon aft^r the prayer was endco^
he breathed his last, August 4, 1612, aged iij(ty-ftiee
years. His remains were mterred in St. Autholin|8 churcL
London, with great funeral solemnity; and his fuMfU
sermon was preached by Mr. Speght, from John zi. 8;
but the bishops would not allow it to be printed.* .
iif r. Brougpton was an indefati^ble studefit, and a moit
celebrated scholar, which rendered his temper too austere;
yet, to his friends, his spirit was sweet, Bmd>l6, and dfo
tionate. He was bold and severe in opposing all error an
impiety, and would sharply reprove them, whatever it ooit
him. He was free and comoiunicative to all who wished^
learn ; but sometimes offended when his scholars did W
imderstand him, accounting it a shame to live in igaaanibtJ
As a writer, his style is rather harsh and obscnie. at
appears too vain and too severe agaiiist his opponents; 'Bbt
when it is recollected what kind of treatment ne met with;
how lie was tossed to and fro, and often obliged to femore
from one place to another, it will not appear soniiiaii^
that so great a scholar sometimes forgot himself. IJpflb hu
death-b^d, he confessed and lamented his infirmity. In hii
writings, adds our author, the impartial reader will fijod as
much light thrown upon the scriptures, especially the moit
difficult passages, as can be found in any other author what-
ever; and they carry in them so happy a fascination, that
the serious reader is constrained, by a sort of holy violence,
to search the sacred scriptures.}
This learned divine has b^ reproached with great
♦ aark*i Livei, p. 6, 7.
•f This was exemplified in the foUowiDg aoecdote.-^WhUe Mr. Broogbfta
was at Meotz In Germany, a yovng man of the name of M^rtonf, hm
£nf(land, came to him continoaUy, asking him qaettionty and fcaalfiiK
lofttractions. When the young pupil miderstood not his anawen, bat daitni
further explanation, Mr. Brooghton would be angry, and call him dMUui
vnlearned. Upon this, when Morton asked bim any question, be Mfel
pleasantly to say, ** I piay you,' whatsoever doUi or dnllmrdt I aste be
called, call me so before we begin, that your discourse and mine
attention be not interrupted :" which, it is said, Mr. Broughton took as
Sleasantly from him. This person, it is added, was afterwards tbe ftaioBS
)t. Morion, bishop of DufhaiD.— /M. p. 6.
t Ibid, p. 7, 8.
BR0U6HT0N. f8»
severity by some of our historians; and by none with
greater rancour than by Mr. William Gilpin.* This
miter says, ^< that Mr. Brou^hton acted the basest, and most
^ ungratefol part towards Mr. Bernard Gilpin, who had
^educated and maintained him, both at school and th^
•f nniversity. He was vile enough to endeavour to ^p-
^ plant the yei^ patron who had raised him up." If iVur*
Koughton really acted in the manner here represented,
9 would be difficult to censure him with too much severity :
mt, we think, there is no sufficient evidence for the charges
dkged ; at least Mr. Gilpin hath not produced it ; and it
■eepoB hardly just to bring such black charges against a
pian /without some substantial proof. Bishop Carlton, the
mi writer by whom any accusation appears to be brought
i||8t Mr. Brou^ton, speaks of his exciting the Bishop of
rhain against Bemara Gilpin merely as a repari;. and,
ihis rejmt were true, though ihexe is no proof aUegod,
seems very doubtful whether he was excitra to it from a
of obtaining Gilpin^s living.
Pilpin says of JBrou^hton, ^ that London was the
■oene whei^B he mnst e!xposed himsdf. . Here, for some time^
IPS piLi4 ^ servile court to the vulgar, in the capacitifr of.:a
g^pIiM: pieacber." But of thb we can meet with mo
ffl^enc^ Indeed, servility to persons of any class, does
Mt.apjpe^r to have been any part of Mr. Broughton's ohay»
riipier ; and the charge, we think, is sufficiently refuted ia
liie foregoing narrative, as collected from the most authentic
lecords.
; Mr. GQpjui isays, that Broughton had ^ lived out all
|l|S.are^t, mid became even the jest cS the sta|;e." It is
fivtain, as our author observes, that be was satirized on the
S^lge. . .3ul; a man's being ridiculed in a dramatic exhibi*
tibpi is op proof of his &ving out-lived either his credit
OK hi^ friends ; nor does this aj^iear to have been the case,
1ml thq coi^trary,. with Mr. Brwghton.f
He ^iaa( sayo, ^^ Broughton was, indeed, famous in his
lime, an^ as 9 inan of fetters esteemed by many^ but in
fveiy other ie$pect despicable." The numerous ;iuthentic
feiti^nicjB given in the foi^going narrative, affiird a suffi*
fimt refutation of this charg;?. > The learned Dr. Lightfoot,
who wrote Mr. Broughton*s life, declares himself a mere
child in onnparison of this great master of Hdiirewand
• Gilplp't Uf(t of BcfMfd Gilpin, p. 2S3, 834, 293, 300; EdiL ITIO.
t Blogmpkia Briteiuiics, Vol. ii. p. 606—610. . - ^ >
S90 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
rabbinical Icamin?.* Mr. Strjpe declares that he was one
of the greatest scholars in Christendom, in Latin, Grodk,
Hebrew, and all Talinudical literature.f
Most of his works were collected and printed in London,
in 166*2, with his life prefixed by Dr. Li^htfoot, entitbdn
** The Works of the great Albioncan Divine, renowned ib
many Nations for rare Skill in Salems and Athens Tongnei^
and familiar Acquaintance with all Rabbinical Learning,
Mr. Hugh Broughton." This edition of his works, thou^
bound in one large yolunlc folio, is divided into foiir Unoa,
Towards the last tome is Mr. Broughlon's funeral sennon
by Mr. Speght, in which the preacher says, <^ Touching tke
fruit of his sowing, viz. his private reading in the time, and
with the approbation of the reverend and learned Bishop
Aylmer ; and of his public preaching in Christ^s ohurcOi
in St. Peter's, and in my church ; how many are theie (jet
some alive) who may thank God daily, that ever they kmr
and heard him ? For myself, 1 confess, and profess flQ
much, and shall ever do so whilst I breathe/'t
There are many of Mr. Brous^htonVi manuscripta| ih his
own hand, still preserved in the Uritish Museum. Soniie of
them are the literary productions of his pen ; otheii idi^
to the controversies in which he engaged ; and the lest are
miscellaneous. These, in all thirty-five, are bound in one
volume quarto.^ There is also his manuscript ^< Hannonj
of the Bible.'^l
William Btrton, A. B. — This pious ministor WIM hon^
in the city of Winchester, and educated first at WicUiam
school, then in New College, Oxford, where be was chosen
fellow. He was afterwards beneficed in the city of Nor-
wich, where Sir William Ferryman, afterwards lord chief
baron, a worthy religious person, and a gteiAt prmnoter of
christian piety, was his ^at friend and patron. In ISSSi
his name is among the Norfolk divines, above sixty in all, .
who scrupled subscription to Whitgift's three aitides.!
Whether, on account of his nonconformity, he felt &e iron
hand of the archbishop, by suspension, deprivation, ov
imprisonment, as was the case with many of his bretben^
• British Biography, vol. iii. p. ISO, . ..
f Strype*8 Annals, vol. ii. p. 612, t Biog. Britan. vol. ii. p. 612.
S Sloaae's MSS. No. S088. || Harleian MS8. KoJ W5.
9 MS. Register^ p. 436. - > .
W. BURTON- R. ROGERS. \ «S1
We have not been able to learn. His being under the wing
pt jBO honourable and worthy a patron, might prove a suffi-
cient protection. One of the same name, and probably the
Ifune person, was afterwards a minister in Bristol, then at
Reading in Berkshire, and lastly at St. Sepulchre's, London,
where he died about November, 16 12.» There were two
other Mr. William Burtons, both persons of distinguished
tfoinencc, who lived about the same time.f
J ■ His Works. — 1. A Sermon preached at Norwich, on Jer. iii. 14.,
1689* — ^2. A Catechism containing certain Questions and Answers
cbnceming the Knowledge of God, and the right use of the Law,
1691.-^. Dwnd's Evidence; or, the Assurance of God's Love,
14)62.— ^4. A Caveat for Sureties, 1593.-^6. Exposition of the Lord's
Iteyer, drawn into Questions and Answers, 1594.-^-^. The Rousing
•C the 3iuggard, 1596. — 7. Conclusions of Peace between God and
|l{jan, containing comfQrta)[))e Meditations for the Children of God,
.|595^->-8. Sermons on the Church's Love tp Clirist her Hi)sban4, 169fiu
^-^. DavicTs llianksgivjng for the Arraignment of the Man of
£«tb, 1598.-^10. Ten Sermons on Matt. y. 3, 4., 1602.-^11. The
Anatomy of Belial, 1603. — 12. Certain Questions and Answers con-
cerning th^ Attributes of God, 1602. — 13. Questions and Answers
conceriiiiig the right use of the Law of God, 1602. — 14. An Abstract
Hi the Doctrine of the Sabbath, briefly, yet fully and plainly set
ftrth, 1606,
Richard Rogers. — This excellent divine was educated
at Cambridge, and was afterwards for many years (he labori-
oos and useful minister of AVethersfield in Essex. He was
a zealous, faithful, and profitable labourer in the vineyard
<if the Lord, for the space of forty-six years. He was a
man of considerable learning, and of a most humble, peace-
ible, and exemplary life; but a great sufferer for noncQn-
fiHrftiity. In the year 1583, upon the publication of Whit-
gft's three articles, and the severites which accompanied
em, Mr, Rogers, with twenty-six of his brethren, all
ministers of Essex, presented their petition to the lords of
,l|ie council for relief^ an abstract of which is given in
ajlother placet
*^; This petition does not seem to have produced the desired
'efFect : for WhitgUl suspended and silenced than all, and
iHotested tl^it not one of them should preach without Sub-
(scription and an exact conformity. What kind of treat-
• Wood's Athene Oxod. Vol. i. p. 286, 287.
f Biog. Britan. vol. iii. p. 42. Edit. 1778.
t See Art. George Gifford.
I
S39 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
ment they afterwards met with, appears from ao aco0ail
new before me, wherein it is said, ^'that thirty-eight
ministers, denominated the learned and painful ministen of
Essex, were oftentimes troubled and molested, for rdteing
to subscribe, to wear the surplice, or use the cross in bnp-
tism."* Though our divine had his share in these tynuu
nical proceedings, he was afterwards sheltered under the
wing of a most worthy patron. . Sir Robert Wroth wanply
espoused his cause ; who, notwithstanding the protestatioa
and censure of the archbishop, ordered nim to renew hii
preaching, and he would stand forwards in bis ddSaace.
After enduring suspension about eight months, he was re-
stored to his ministry. lie continual for many yean(*3Uidtr
the protection of Sir Robert, enjoying the peaceabkexor*
cise of his ministry. He was particularly anxious to obtain
a more pure reformation of the church ; he therefore united
with many of his brethren in subscribing the '< Book- of
Discipline/V In the year 1598, one Mr. Rogers, most po-
bably this pious divine, was cited to appear before thi
hi^h commission; but whether he received any .eccle8iaiG5
cal censure, we are unable to ascertain.}
In the year 1603, Mr. Rogers and six other mipisters£#
the weight of the archbishop's outstretched arm; and fis
refusing to take the oath ex officio^ he suspended than alL
Upon their suspension they were further 'iwnmoned' to
appear before his lordship ; but it is said the archlnsbop
died on the very day of their appearance ; when they :^^^
discharged by the rest of the commissioners. But in the
foUowiuj^ year they were exceedingly molested byBancnifi^
Whitgift's successor. During the whole suminer they were
continually cited before him, which, in addition to many
other hardships, caused them to take numerous, long, aw
expensive journies.^ In these tribulations Mr. Rogers bore
an equal share with his brethren.
Dr. Ravio succeeded Bancroft in the diocese of .London^
and appears to have been of the same cruel, peiBftputki^
spirit as his predecessor. He was no sooner seated in htf
episcopal chair, than he began to prosecute the noncon-
formists. Among otliers, he cited Mr. Rogers to app^u
before him, and protested in his presence^ sayingy ^ Bj
♦ MS. Cbrooolojry, vol. ii. p. 689. (10.)
-t- Neal's Puritans, vol. i. p. 423.
t Baker's MS. Collec. vol. zi. p. S44.
S MS. Cbrooology, toI. ii. p. 503. (7.) 589. (100
I(. ROGEK& 8SS
the hdp <^je8us, I will not leave one preacher in mj diocese
who doth not subscribe and conform." But^ poor man * he
^ed soon after, and so was disappointed. •
Mr. Rogers, in his own private diary, April 25, 1605,
noAkes the , following reflections^ << I was much in prayer
lJ>out my troubles, and my God granted, me the desire
o( my heart. For, by the favour and influence of
.WiUiam Lord KnoUys, God hath, to my own comfort, and
ithe comfort of my people, delivered me once more out of
all my troubles. Oh that I may make a holy use of m j
liberty I JPut it greatly troubles me,'" adds the good man,
^« that after labouring betwixt thirty and forty years in the
ministry, I ;un now accounted imworthy to preach ; while
60 many idle and scandalous persons enjoy their ease and
' Uppn Dr. Yaughan's translation to the see of London^
and njB restoration of many of the suspended ministers, Mr.
Rogers makes these reflections. May 30, 1606: <<If I
pfeaph DO more, I heartily thank God for my liberty, both
lit licgme .and abroad, for this year and a half, and I hope
with ^ome fruit. The bishop has been my friend. April
S, 1607, this week came the painful news of our Bishop
Yauffhan^s death ; who, for twenty -weight months, being all
thetune he continued,. he permitted all the godly ministers
to live p^u^eafily, and to enjoy liberty in their ministry .'';(
On .another occasion, Mr. Rogers having been in great
idangfr of suspension, and many of his . brethren being
silenced, makes this reflection : '^ By God^s great mercy,
i have gained twelve weeks more liberty than I looked for.
Therefor^ I have the greater cause to be content when
pileacin^ pometh, especially as many are silenced before
iiie.'H Mx. Rogers was living in the yeiar 1612; but we
are unable to ascertain the exact period of his deaths
* Wood says, that this prelate was preferred first to the see of Gloucester,
ooaetoontof his great learDing, gravity, and prudence; and that, though his
'4kicc»e *^ ^ras pretty weU stoclied with those who could not bear the name
ofj» bishop, yet, by his episcopal living aniQng them, he obtained their love
mud a good report from them.*' He seems, however, to have changed bit
coorse upon his translation to the see of London ; where he presently died,
^* havlilg,^* it is said, ** for many years, with much vigilance, served his
charch, his king, and his country.'* — Wood's Atheiue Oxon, vol. i. p. 61T.
[ , f MS. Chronology, vol. ii. p. 589. (10.)
X Br. Richard Vaughan, successively Bishop of Bangor, Chester, and
Xondon, was a person of great learning, piety, and moderation, and an
jidmired preacher. As Fuller says,, '* be was a very corpulent man, but
tpiritually minded," and a person of an excellent character.-— S<r3l!fe*ff
Jlifhner^ p. S95. — Gratiger'M Biog. Hist, vol, i. p. 34Sy S44.
§ MS. X^bronology, vol. if. pi 689. (12.)
8S4 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Mn Kne\vstabs preached bis funeral sermon. Messrs. Danid
and Ezekiel Rogers, both eminent puritan divines, were hk
sons. Mr. Stephen Marshall was his immediate sacccBior
nt Wethersfield.
He was eminently faithful and laborious in the minisftrf ;
and it is said, ^' the Lord honoured none more in the con*
version of souls." He was styled the Enoch of his day,
a man walking with God; and he used to say, / should be
sorri/ if ercery day were not employed as if it z&erc my latL
He was an admired preacher ;* and Bishop Kennet says^
<^ that England hardly ever brought forth a nian who walked
more closely with God."+ Mr. Rogers was always re-
markable for seriousness and gravity, in all kinds of com-
pany. Being once in company with a gentleman of
respectability, whp said to him, ^^ Mr. Rogers, I like yoB
and your company very well, only you are too precise:^
" Ohy sir^'^^ replied Mr. Rogers, " / serve a precise Cfod/^t
Mr. Rogers was author o? *' The Seven Treatises,'* 1688;
which was highly esteemed. ^^ A Commentry upon the
whole Book of Jud^," 1615. In his dedication c{ this
>7ork, he says he had beep in the ministry forty yean*
Randall Bates was a most holy man, an ezoeUenl
preacher, and a zealous nonconformist, for which he was
prosecuted in the ecclrsiastical courts, and ^comnutM to
the Gatehouse; where, after a confinement of twiMy
months, he died through the hardships of the prison. * Mr. '
John Cotton, who was his contemporary, den(H]&inat^'4iai
" an heavenly saint ;" and says, " he suffered in the eanse '
of nonconformity, being choked in prison.^' Nor cotald his
release be obtained, though Dr. Hering, a learned and ex-
cellent physician, earnestly solicited Sishop Neile for his
enlargement, declaring that his life was in danger.^ But tbe
suit of the physician was repulsed with reproaches, and the
blood of bis patient was spilt through the ex:treme rigour of
his confinement. He died in the year 1613.|| Datifig^Mr. *
* Graqgefs Biog. Hist. vql. i. p. 219. 4 Keonet's Cbrontcle, p. 60$i
t Firmio*8 Real Christian, p. 67. Ldit. 1670.
§ Bishop Neile, it is said, ^* was always reputed a popish and Annloln
prelate, a persecutor of all ortliodoz apd godly tninisters, and Ode who pre-
ferred popish aod-Armipian clergy, making choice of them for bit chap-
lains." He was accused of these things to his nuyesty by the hooie of
commons, in 1628, and complained of in several parliaiDeDt8.«^Pr^iM*«
Cant. Doome, p. 531 •
0 Cotioo's Answer to Williams, p. 117.— Princess Chiroo. Hbt TOl.!.
p. 28.
BATES--D. DYKE. «M
I
Bfrfes^s imprisonment he wrote a book, entitled, << Medita-
tions whilst he was prisoner in the Gratehouse, Westminster,**
irhich shews him to have been a person of great humility
and piety. It discovers a mind strongly attached to the
author^s views of christian doctrine and church discipline.
His views of the latter appear to have been a compound of
presbyterianism and independency, as some of his expres-
sions favour the one, and some the other form of church
goyemment.
Daniel Dyke, B. D. — This excellent divine was bom
at Hempstead in Hertfordshire, where his father was a
worthy minister, and. silenced for nonconformity.* He
ireceived his ieducatioh at Cambridge, and became a most
fitithfiil and useful preacher ; but, like his honoured father,
l¥as exceedingly persecuted by the intolerant prdates. He
T^as for some time minister of Coggeshall in Essex; but,
upon the publication of Whitgift's three articles, in 1583, he
was suspended by Bishop Aylmer, and driven out of the
county .f Afterwards he settled at St. Albans, in his native
cpunty, where his ministry was particularly acceptable and
profitable to the people. He united with his brethren in
attemcKting to promote a more pure reformation of the
chutcn, and, with this object in view, assembled with them
in their private associations. :( But in this, as in his former
situation, the watchful eye of Aylmer was upon him, and he
was involved in fresh troubles. Because he continued a
deacon^ and did not enter iato priests^ orders, which the bishop
supposed he accounted popish ; and because he refused to
wear the surplice, and troubled his auditory, as his grace sig-
iufiied,with notions which thwarted the established religion,
lie was again suspended, and at last deprived. This was in
Hie year 1589.§ , The distressed parishioners being con-
cerned for the loss of their minister, petitioned the Lord
Treasurer Burleigh, who had been Mr. Dyke's^reat friend,
to interdsde with the^bishop in their behalf. This petition
sets forth, " That they had been without any ordinary
preaching till within this four or five years ; by the want
of which they were unacquainted with their duty to God,
tiieir sovereign, and their neighbours ; and so ignorance and
disorder had greatly prevailed among them, for want of
' ♦ Foller*8 Worthies, part ii. p. 28. + MS. Register, p. 741.
fBaker*8 MS. Collec. yoh zv. p. 79.
MS. JMfiAt^i p. 586.— Strype*s Aylmer^ p. 1^.
Sa6 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
beiiiff taught their duty : but that of late it had pleaaed the
Lord (o visit them with the means of salvation, b;^ Um oidi*
nary ministry of Mr. Dyke, an authorized minislery wb^
according to his function, had been painftil and profitafaihy
and had carrfa^ himself so peaceably and dutifiuly among
them, both in his life and doctrine, that no man could justly
find fault i?ith him, except of malice. There were ^omei
indeed, who could not b^ to hear their fiiults reproved ;
but through his preaching many bad been brought fiom
their ignorance and evil ways, to a better life ; to be frequent
bearers of God's word ; and their servants were in better
order than heretofore."
They then, inform his lordship, ^' that their minister was
suspended by the Bishop of London ; and that they were as
sheep without a shepherd, exposed to manifold 'dan^en^
even to return to their former ignorance and cursed vanities.
That the Lord had spoken it, tlierefore it must be tme^
Where no vision is^ the people perish. And having expend
enced his honourable care for them in the like case hereto-
fore, which they thankfully acknowledged, they earnestly
pray his lordship, in the bowels of his compassion,- to pity
them in their present misery, and become a means that they
may again enjoy their preacher.^'*
The treasurer, upon the reception of this petition, wrote
to the bishop, and requested Mr. Dyke's restoration to his
ministry, promising that if be troubled his congr^ration with
innovations in future, he would join his lordship agaiiM
him; but the bishop excused himself, insinuating that Mn
Dyke was guUty of incontinency. This occasioned a
further inve^igation of his character. He was tried at the
sessions at St. Albans, when the woman herself who ac-
cused him, confessed her wicked contrivance, and asked
him forgiveness in open court. Mr. Dyke bring thus pub<
licly cleared and honourably acquitted, the treasurer wiii
the more urg(?nt with the bishop to restore him ; '^ because,'^
said he, '' tlie Ix^t minister in the nation may be thus
slandered ; and the people of St. Albans have no tendiiwi
only they have for their curate an insufficient ddtioj|^ oU
man. For this favour/' said the worthy treasurer, ** lidiali
thank your lordship, and will not solicit you any more^ if he
shall hereafter give just cause of public ofience against the)
ordurs of the church established.''^ But all that the treasun^
could do proved iueflectual. The good man was ther^pre
* MS. Register, p. 303— SOS. 4 Ibid. p. aOft— aOlL
tL I^ARKBR. ' 18*
ilsft luideir the unknerciful censure of this prelate, fiut bow
lon^^e lemamed so, or-whedier the bisnop eyer restored
hi% yte are not able to learn. He died about the year 1614 >
fiisVi^ine, or the name .of his brother, Mr. Jeremiah D;fke,
abdlher e2l:cellef^ puritan divine, is among those who sub-
iPcriBed ihe ^^ Book of Discipline.^> Mr. Dyke was a man
lAf ah unblemished character, a divine of great learning and
piefy^ and a preacher of sound, heart-searching doctrine.;
' Wpod'denominates him an eminent preacher.^ His writing
ure e)tcellcnt for the time, and are still much admirra.
-Bfslk>p Wilkins classes his sermons among the most excel-
lent in his.day .g His works, containing various pieces, were
fcoU^clefl and published in 16S5, in tw6 volumes quarto.
His "Mystery of Self-deceiving," was often published, and
"was translated into High Dutch. ^' It is a book,^' says
Fuller, " that will be owned for a trtUhy while men have
any badness in them ; and will be owned as a treasure^ while
theV have wiy' goodness in them."i This work, and his
^ Treatises on Ifepentance," . are very searching. His doc-
^tmt fklls as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as
the showers upon the grass.«*
• Robert Parker. — ^This learned and celebrated puritan
%i$caitaie rector of North-Benflete in Es^ex, in the year
•1571; 'but, resigning the benefice the year following, he
tiecianie rector of West-Henningfield, in the same county,
Vhich he held several years.++ Afterwards he became
p«\stor of the church at Dedham, in the same county,
yHh^t^ he was predecessor to the famous Mr. John Rogers.
fie wais suspended by Bishop Aylraer, for refusing subscrip-
ikin to Whitgift's three articles. Being afterwards, by some
"feiie&ns, restored to his ministry, a day was appointed when
ii^- Should be deprived, if he still persisted in refusing to
^ear the surplice ; when he most probably received the
^Cfesiastical censure.Jt Having encfured these troubles, he
llftft the county, and was afterwards beneficed at Wilton in
•^iltshire, where he continued many years.
' In the year 1598, Bishop Bilson having published to the
r • Fidler'i Worthies, part ii. p. 39. f Neal*s Puritans vol. i. p. 43S.
. 1 Mr. Dyke's «' DeceitfulDess of the Heart/' Dedica. Edit. ieS3.
' \ AthenflB Ozoik vol. i. p. 788. U Discourse oa Preachiog, p. 62, 83.
'' "i Worthies^ part if. p. 29.
•• WiHiams's Christian Preacher, p. 454.
f f N«vcpart*8.Repert. Bed. vol. ii. p. 46| 310.
tt MS. Sejcbier, p. 664, 74].
89B ' LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
world that Jesus Christ, after his death upon the cross, actu^
ally descended into the regions of the damned ; many learned
divines undertook a refutation of his opinion, and to estab-
lish the contrary sentiment. Among these was Mr. Ptoker,
who published a learned piece, entitled, ^< De descensu
Christi ad Infernos." In the year 1607 he published a
Treatise on the Cross in Baptism, entitled, << A l^o->
lasticall Discourse against Symbolizing with Antichnk in
Ceremonies, especially the Signe of the Crosse." Dr. Grey
is pleased to treat Mr. Peircc and Mr. Neal with consider-
able ridicule for callinn: it a xitry learned work, and the
author himself with mucli contempt, because he was ol^^[ed
to leave the comitry for publishing that which in Ids cgglidioo
contains things very scandalous and offensive.* That .the
work contains things very scandalous, except to those who
tyrannize over the consciences of their brethren, was never
yet proved ; but that it contains things very qffensm to all
who persecute their brethren for refusing to observe their
anticnristian impositions, was never doubted. The ode-
brated Dr. Ames says, ^^ It is a work^ in truth, of sach-
strength and beauty, that it dazzles the eyes even ,of envy
itself."f The learned prelates would, indeed, have done
their cause no harm, if, when it was published, or at any
future period, they had shewn themselves abletp AttWcr it.
But they went a shorter way to work ; and, instead of at^
tempting any answer, they persuaded the kii^ to issue hit
royal proclamation, with the ofier of a reward, for WUPer
bending the author, which obliged him to hide himfidtm a
season, and then retire into a foreign land.
These troubles came upon him chiefly by the instigation
of Archbishop Bancroft ; who receiving information thai he
was concealol in a certain citizen^s house in London, ,iia-
mediately sent a person to watch the house, while otii^
were prepared with a warrant to search for him. The per-
son having fixed himself at the door, boasted that he liad
him now secure. Mr. Parker, at this juncture, resolved'to
dress himself in the habit of a citizen, and venture 00^
whereby he might possibly escape ; but if he remained in
the house he would be sure to be taken. Accordiii|;ly. hi
his strange garb he went forth ; and God so otdaed it, wL
just at the moment of his going out, the watchman at the
door spied his intended bride passbg on the other side
the street ; and while he just stepped over to speak to he^
» GK7*t EamiaatioD, Tot. i. p. 59. f Amal% ftafc M^FML
R. PARKEK. SS9
the good man escaped. When the officers came with the
"warrant to search the house^ to their great mortification he
could not be found.* .
After this signal providential deliverance, be retired to
the house of a frigid in the neighbourhood of l^ondon,
where a treach^ous servant in the family gave information
to the bishop's officers, who came and actually searched the
house where he was ; but, by the special providence of Giod,
he was drain most remarkably preserved. For the only
room in the house which they neglected to search, was that
in which be was concealed, from whence he heard them
swearing and quarrelling one with another ; one protesting
that they had not searched that room, and another as con-,
fidently asserting the contrary, and refusing to suffer it to
be searched again. Had he been taken, he must have been
cast into prison ; where, without doubt, says our author, he
must have <}ied.+
Mr. Panker having been favoured with these remarkable
inteippsUions of providence, fled from the storm and went
to Holland, and would have been chosen pastor to the
Englikh church at Amsterdam, had not the magistrates been
afhud of disobliging King James, ^or the burgomasters
>of the city informed them, ^' that, as they desired to keep
Criendship with his majesty of Great Britain, they should
pot a stop to that business.''^ His settlement at Amsterdam
being thus prevented, he went to Doesburg, and became
imeacher to the garrison ; where, about ei^t months after
Lis lemoval, he died^ in the year 1614.§ During his short
abode at Doesburg, he wrote several very affectionate letters
Id Air. John Paget, minister at Amsterdam; in which he
discovers a becoming resignation to the will of God, saying,
'^ I thank you for the pains you have taken for me, though
without success ; at which I am not dismayed, nor at aU
moved. I am assured it is come to pass by the will of the
Lord; who, I know, wiU be my Grod, as well out of Am-
sterdam as in it."! Mr. Parker was an able writer, a man
irf great learning and pi^y, a judicious, &ithful, and
laborious preacher.!
• ' Inaddition to the work already noticed, Mr« Parker was
author of ^< De Politia Ecclesiastica ;" in which he main-
• Claffk*8 Lives, littt t«1« part i. p. S8, 2S.
t Peiice*! Viodication, part i. ^ 170, 171.
{Pa^t'y Aos. to Best and Davenport, p. 87.
Fta^*s Defeoce of Chnrcb Gov. Pref. I Ibid,
f avk*a Llvc^ put i. p. 89.— Ames's Fretii Salt, Pref. *
S40 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
fains, that what^er relates to the church of Chrifit, must be
deduced from scripture. <^ We deny no authority to the
king in matters ecclesiastical," says he, <<but only that
which Jesus Christ, the only head of the church, hath
directly and precisely appropriated unto himself, and hath
denied to communicate to any creature or creature in the
world. We hold that Christ alone is the doctor or teacher
of the church in matters of religion ; and that the word of
Christ, which he hath given to his church, is of absolute
perfection, containing all parts of true religioti, both for
substance and ceremony, and a perfect direction in all ecde*
siastical matters whatsoever, unto which it is not lawfiil fiir
any man or angel to add, or from which to detract:"*
Mr. John PSget of Amsterdam, who was well acquaitited
with him, gives the following account of his views of chtttth
government : ^' When he came from Leyden, where he and
Mr, Jacob had sojourned together for some time, he pro-
fessed at his first coming to Amsterdam, that the use of
synods was for counsel and advice only, but had no autho-
rity to give a definitive sentence. After much conferoice
with him, when he had more seriously and maturely cgn-
sidered this question, he plainly changed his opinion, as be
Srofessed, not only to me, but to others : so tnat eohle' of
Ir. Jacobus opinion were offended at him, and expostulded
not only with him, but also with me, for having occasibned
the alteration of his judgment. I had the means of uaditti^
standing his mind aright, and better than those who "petted
his meaning, since he was not only a member of the same
church, but a member of the same family, and livcfd with
me under the same roof; where we had daily conversatton
of these things, even at the time when Mr. Jacob published
his unsound writing upon this question. He was merwards
a member of the same elde(rship, and, by (fffice, sat with us
daily to hear and judge the causes of our church, end so
became a member of our classical combination; yet did he
never testify against the undue power of the classui, tut c6m*
plain that we were not a free people^ though the chssii
exercised the same authority then as it doth now. He was
also for a time the scribe of our consistory, and the acts of pur
eldership and church were recorded by his own hand/V
Mr. Thomas Parker, another excellent puritan, of whom
a memoir will be given, was his ton.
« Trdngbtoo's Apology, p. 80, 90. Edit. 16ei.
+ P«get*t Defence, p. 10&.
GAWTON. «41
' AiCHARD Gawton. — This zealous puritan was minister
of SnoriM in Norfolk, and afterwards in the city of Nor-
wich. Mr. Strype stigmatizes him with having formerly
been a man of trade, and then becoming a curate in the
church. _, This may be true, and yet he might be a
letoied, faithful, and pious minister of Christ, and not
tbter the church merely for a piece of bread, as was too
much the custom of those times. Upon his entrance
into the sacred office, he met with barbarous usage from the
hands of Archbishop Parker. Having obtained a pre-
sentation to the benefice of Snoring, the archbishop peremp-
torily required him to sign a bond of a hundred marks, to
pay Dr. Willoughby, the former incumbent, fourteen pounds
a year ; though Willoughby, through mere carelessness, had
lost the living. If he had refused to pay it, he must have
S'' ne to prison.^ Afterwards, the poor man finding so much
ficulty in paying this annuity, was glad to quit the place^
and resign the living into the hands of his patron.*
Upon the resignation of his benefice, he became a preacher
in the city of Norwich, but, in the year 1376, was cited
before Dr. Freke, his diocesan, for nonconformity. + Ap-
pearing before the bishop, he was charged with refusing to
webr the surplice, and with declining from the exact order
of the Book of Common Prayer. He confessed the former^
fuid acknowledged that he did not keep exactly to the
rubric, but saicl, that, in other things, he was conformable.
Several other charges were alleged against him, as will
appear from the following examination before the bishop
and others, dated August lo, 1576 :
; Bishop. You have taken upon you in your pulpit to
denote my chaplain's sermon, and have admonished your
parishioners to beware of false doctrine.
Gawton. Was it not meet for me so to do, seeing he
preached that man has power sufficient to draw himself
unto God ?
"B. You did this the Sunday after he had preached,
ttjough be gave you all reasonable satisfaction.
XtTIu attempting to do this, he made his case worse .than
it was at first.
B. Wherein hath he made it worse ?
• Parle of a Register, p. 394.— Strype's Parker, p. 8TS.
f Bishop Freke was so outrageously violent io the persecution of the
paritaas, that, in the year 1584, the ministers of ' Suffolk and Norfolk
vaitedly presented their complaints against him to the privy council.—
M8. CkTMohgy^ ToK ii. p. 489. (10.)
VOL. II. n
S42 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
G« In his last sennon, he said, that hearing was calliiif ;
and Paul saitb, faith cometh hy hearing ; out hearing is
a natural ffift ; therefore ve have faith, uid, consequently!
are saved oy the exercise of our natural powers.
B. I will call him to dispute with you.
G. I am ready at any time to confute his fiJse doctrine.
B. That is not the cause why I sent for you. I have
other matters against you. How many benefices have
you?
G. I have too many by one ; holding one merely by
name, and against my will.
B. Vou have two benefices more.
G. I am sure I have not.
B. Have you not one benefice in Wales ?
G. I have not.
B. We shall sequester the first-fruits c£ Snoring benefice^
because you have not compounded for the fruits of a
benefice in Wales.
G. Sequester, and spare not; for I have no beneficain
Wales.
B. That is not the thing for which I sent for yoQ. But
because you do not wear the surplice, nor observe the order
of the queen's book, either in public prayers or lbs
administration of the sacraments; but are altogether oat
of order.
G. I confess that I wear not the surplice; but I am
iiqjustly charged with not observing the order of the book*
I was lately told at court, that you did not much like tbe
surplice ; and, therefore, I fear that worldly dignity hatb
led you to act against your own conscience.
B, There is no reason why any persons should tliink
thus of me, seeing I wear the surplice, or that a^^pard
which is the same; and if I were to say the service or
administer the sacraments, I would wear the surplice.
G. I am the more sorry for it.
B. Have you served in any cure in Norwich, or in
the diocese of Norwich ?
G. I have served a cure at Beast-street Grate, in the dty.
B. Have you then acknowledged yourself subject to thi
jurisdiction of the bishop ?
G. I do not acknowledge myself subject to that jurisdlo
tion which is claimed and exercised by the bishop.
B. Beware how you deny authority.
G. I am not afraid to deny the unlawful authority (f
bishops, archdeacons, chancellors, commissaries^ and iQCb
GA^)^rTON. 243
Uke; thoqgii to dmy their authority^ it is said, approacheB
near to treason. /
Deatfl They ate your fellows who have so reported it.
G. Nay ; they are your fellows, who would fein have it so.
D. Their saying was, that whosoever denies that the
queen hiis ecclesiastical jurisdiction, is in danger of treason.
G. Whosoever hath said so, is worthy to be so accountedi
B. Do you allow that the queen hath ecclesiastical
jurisdiction ?
G. I do.
B. The queen hath ecclesiastical jurisdiction^ which
Jurisdiction ime hath committed to me; thereifore I have
ecclesiastical jurisdiction.
G. Though the queen have ecclesiastical jurisdiction, it
is not absolute, or. to do what she pleases. But with all
humble suhinission, I acknowledge all the jurisdiction she
claimeth. For her own words declare, that she claimeth no
farther jurisdiction than the word of God doth allow.
" B. I perceive what you mean, and know where that
:^anation is given.
G. Did the queen then give that explanation merely as
Wi Uknnany or as queen? If she gave it as queen, it must
neieds be a. declaration of the authority which she claimeth.
B. What do you dislike in the jurisdiction which I
diaim? .
G. What authority haye you from the word of God to |
claim the title of lord-Mshopj and to exercise government r
over your feUow-mmisters ? *^
B. What part of the word of God is against it ?
G. Matthew xx. ; where Christ forbids his disciples
claiming superior titles, and exercising superior authority
cnrer one another.
B; You have read no good expositor who so interprets itA
G. Yes, Calvin, Beza, and Musculus. And Beza upon/
Acts xiii. declares, that in all the New Testament there are \
no dignified titles ffiven to the apostles. ^
B. Doth not Christ say, " i e call me Master, and
Lord ; and ye say well ; for so I am ?" Why then should
you so much dislike the name ? 'X
G. Though the name be due to Christ, it is not due to v
toy mere man.
B. What not domine ? Is that so much ?
G. The word domine signifies sir, as well as lord.
B. The queen in her letters patent, directed tp the varioos
244 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
states^ willed them to receive me de 'domim xistroj which, if
you render sir, will be absurd.
G. The queen accounteth none of j^m as lords'; gbIj bj
custom from your predecessors, the popbh biahopB, you an
called hrds*
B. In the acts of parliament we are called lords apiiitiialy
as the others are called lords temporal.
G. That is merely through custom, as before.
D. Bullinger, Gaulter, and other learned men abroad, ia
their late letter to the Bishop of Norwich, called him.&nf''
bishop.
G. The bishop shewed me their letters^-and ibey calbd
him not by the name of lord.
B. But you observe not the order prescribed in the
queen's book.
G. i do not think myself bound by law, to observe pie^
cisely eyery part of the queen's book<
B. You do not read the service as appointed by the hooki
G. I say the service a6 appointed, except, for the sake of
preaching, I omit some parts ; as I may by law. I observe
the rest, except the cross and vows in baptism, which I did
not consider myself as bound precisely to observe.
B. But you wear not the surplice.
G. I wear it not; and seeing it was established in tbe
church not according to the word of Gfod, I daie not
wear it.
B. There are many godly, zealous, and learned men wbo
wear it. Do you then condemn them all ?
G. I utterly dislike their wearing it. And you, Mr. Dean^
did publicly preach against it, and condemned those who
wore it, calling it a superstitious and popish gannioit.
B. You have preached without renewing your license,
since the day appointed in the canons.
G. I was minister of the word of God, and, theiefine,
bad sufficient authority to preach the word in my palish
without any further license. Yet I despised not your
licenses, so far as they tend to shut out those who wotaiA
teach popery and false doctrine.
B. You deny our authority, and wear not flie surplice..
You shall, therefore, be put from the ministry^ and retom'
to your occupation.
G. I thank God that I have an occupation io go tajmd ,
am not ashamed of it. Jesus Christ and the apostle nnil
had an occuoatien.
GAWTON. 845
D. That Jesus Christ had aa occupation cannot be
{fathered out of the text. It was only tht opinion of the
people of Nazareth, who said he was a carpenter.
G. And who could tell better than the people of Naza-)
reth, among whom he lived ? I think they c6uld best tell r
irhat was his occupation. ^
Here the bishop pronounced the sentence of suspension
upon Mr. Gawton, and the register entered it upon record.
G. I now perceive, that if one had tbe eloquence of
ChiysQstom, the learning of Austin, and the divinity of St.
Paul, if he did not wear the surplice, you would put him
^<mt o( the ministry.
B. So we would. And if St. Paul were here, he would
wear a fool ^^s coaty rather than be put to silence.
G. He would then act contrary to his own doctrine. For
he saith, he w(»ild eat no flesh while the world standetlu^
rather than offend a weak brother; and, surely, he would
be equally scrupulous in offending hijs brethren by -wearing'
superstitiQus and popish garments. Your dealing thus
with us in comers, will not further your cause, but hinder
it, and further ours; for all men will see you fear the light. ^
You have now authority on your side; but we are not
above half a dozen unconformable ministers in this city;
and if yoa will confer with us by learning, we will yield
up our lives, if we are tiot able to prove the doctrines we'
hold to be consonant to the word of Grod.
B* That is uncharitably spoken; for no man sought
your lives.
G. The dean here says, that he who seeks our livings,
seeks our lives.
D. You are like the apothecaries, seating papers on
empty boxes.
Cf. You, indeed, may very properly be so denominated.
For if you were otherwise than as empty boxes, you would
not be afraid to have the cause tried.*
The examination thus closed, and the good man, being
suspended, was dismissed from hi$ lordship*s presence.
Upon his suspension, Mr. Neal, by mistake, says, that be
8cnt a bold letter to the bishop. This letter was eviden^y
written by another person. + We find, however, fhat after
receiving the episcopal censure, Mr. Gawton and several
of his brethren, wrote an excellent letter to Mr. Thomas
Gartwright, wherein they express, with considerable freedom,
• Parie of a Register, p. 393—400.
t 8^ Art. R. Harycy.— Ncai'i Puritans, vol. i. p. 306.
S46 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
their firmness in the cause of nonconformity. This letter,
dated from London, May S3, 1577, was as follows:
<^ We stand resolved that what we have done ooiit
<< ceming the ceremonies, the cross in baptism, &c. is mogt
<^ agreeable to the word of God and the tcstimcmy of a
<^ ^od conscience. By the help of God, we will laboof
<^ even in all things, to tlie utmost of our power, to be
^' found faithful and approved before God and men; and|
^^ therefore, we will not betray that truth which it .hath
<< pleased God, in his great goodness, to make known unlo
<^ us. You will know we do nothing contentious/^ : thereia
'^ we are clear before God and men. But we wiA you to
<< understand, that the iniquitous times in which we live,
^^ and the great trials which we, as well as you, hacre to
<^ endure in the cause of Grod, and a thousand such aflio
<< tions, shall not, the Lord helping us, make us shrink £raBi
^< the maintenance of his truth. The same good opinioa wf
<^ have conceived of you, not doubting that he who hulk
<^ hitherto made you a glorious witness of truth, will still
<< enable you to go forwards in the same comse. ■ And yet
<^. we Uiink it meet, both on account of our own dubiaii^
^' and the evil days come upon us, that we should qaicken
<< one another in so good a cause. We deal thus with you,
^' whom, both for learning and godliness, we yery mudh
<^ love and reverence in the Lord ; and we commit you to
<^ Grod, and the word of his grace, which is able, and m
<^ doubt will, in due time, fur&er buUd up both you and u%
^^ to the glory of his name, and our endless comfoit' ii|
"Christ.
" Richard Gawton, Gyles Sethtclbb,
" Thoma9 Penny, Nicholas Standox^
*^ Nathaniel Baxter, John Field,
" George Gyldrep, Thomas Wilcocm,*V
" Nicholas Crane,
It does not appear how long Mr. Gawtoii continned ia
a state of suspension; only in the yes^ 1581, he wai^
preacher at Bury St. Edmunds ; but I am apt to thiidL| saya
pur learned historian, seeing his opinions and practice were
still the same, this was owing to the want of prppqr disci-:
pline, and to tbe countenance he there mc^ with) iiotwith?
standing his suspension.f Admitting this l^xc^t to be
correct, his suspension must have continued at l^ast five
• MS. Registery p. S96. f Strype*9 Annals, yol. m. p, 9P*
AIRAT. 847
yean. In the year I60S, a miDister of the same name, and
most probably the same person, became vicar of Kedbum
in Hertfordshire, where he continued till June, 1616, when
bodied.*
Heitrt Airat, D. D. — This learned person was bom in
Westmoreland, in the year 1560, and received his grammar
learning under the famous Mr. Bernard Gilpin, who, at
ihe age of nineteen, sent him to £dmund's*hall, Oxford ;
but aiterwards he removed to Queen's college. Having
taken his degrees, he became a frequent and zealous preacher^
was chosen provost of the college, and afterwards vice*
chancellor of the university. In each -of these departments,
says Wood, he shewed bimsdf a zealous Calvinist, and a
^ ^reat promoter of those of his Own opinion, but went
beyond the number of true.£nglish churchmen. And he
adds, that though he condemned himself to obscurity, and
infected a retired life, being generally adnrired and esteemed
fN his holiness, integrity, learning, gravity, and inde*
fttigable pains in the ministerial function, he could not keep
kfanself nrom public notice.f By his singular wisdom,
lenming, and prudence, in the government of his collie,
many scholars went forth, who became bright ornaments
both in church and state. Another writer oteerves, that he
was so upright and unrebukable through the whole of his
conversation, that he was reproached by some as a precisian.
But how much he condemned the injurious zeal of the
separatists ; how far he disliked a)l the busy disturbers of
tbe church's peace ; how partially he reverenced his holy
mother, the. church of England; and how willingl;^ h6
conformed himself to her seemly ceremonies and injunctions,
his practice and his friends are witness. He was, it is added,
an humble and obedient son of the church, and no less an
enemy to faction than to separaticm.f
However much Dr* Alray tni^ht oppose the separatists,
or jMtrtialhp' reverence the church of England, or willingly
conform himsdf to her seemfy iceremonies and injunctions,
It IB an indubitable fact, tha^ he was a true lionconfomiisti
When he wias provost of Queen'^ college, he was called hi
question by the vice*chancellor, for his nonconformity
to the ceremonies and discipline of the church. And on
• Newcoart'i Repert. Eccl. toI. i. p. 859.
f Wood's Atbenae Oxon. toI. i. p. 348.
t Ainty on PbU. Prcf. Edit. ICIS.
248 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
account of his zeal in the same cause, he very narrowly
escaped being constrained to make a public recantation.*
He wrote and published a ^' Treatise against Bowing at the
name of Jesus," shewing the superstition and absurdity af
that popish relict.
In the year 1606, Mr. William Laud, afterwards the
famous archbishop, having preached at Oxford, his 9ennQD
contained many scandalous and popish sentiments; for
which he was called before Dr. Airay the vice-chancellor,
to give an account of what he had delivered. It was the
opinion of many that he was a papist, or very much
inclined to popery ; and he narrowly escaped making a
public recantation.f Dr. Airay having accomplished his
days upon earth, meekly and patiently surrendered himsdf
to God^ earnesUy desiring to depart and to be with Christ
And having devoutly committed his soul to the caire of his
dear Red<^mer, he closed his eyes in peace, and was carried
to his grave with honour. He died October 6, . 1616, aged
fifty-six years ; and his remains were interred in die inna
chapel of Queen'3 college.
His Works. — I. Lectares upon the whole Epistle to the Phili-
pians, 1618. — 2, The just and necessary Apology toucniDg^ bis Soli in
Law, for the Rectory of Charlton on Otmore, in Oxfbrdsmre, 1031.—
3. A Treatise against Bowing at the Name of Jesus,
George Withers, D. D. — This person was a'divine of
good learning, incorporated in both universities, and after-
wards preacher at Bury St. Edmunds ; but in the year
1565, refusing to enter into bonds to wear the square cap,
he was silenced by Archbishop Parker. Afterwardet; how-
ever, by the urgent entreaties of his people, he wrote a sub-
missive letter to his lordship, signifying his willingness to
wear the cap, rather than the godly people should be dis-
couraged, or the wicked led to triumph4
Dr. Withers being a learned and popular preacher^
was chosen one of the preachers to the university of Cam-
bridge ; ^nd being an avowed enemy to popery, he lecom-
meniled to th^ university to pull down the superstitioiis and
ridiculous paintings in the glass windows. This oc
9 CQn^ider^.ble noise in the university, and created
tfc-fc^Jf.Ul.ll
• Wood's Athenae, toI. I. p. 481.— Hist, and Antiq. of Oxod. tqI. ti.
p. 288. Edit. 1796.
+ Ibid.— Heylin'sLifcofLandjp. 54.
t Strype's Fftrker, p. 18T, 188.
WITHERS. 24S
^reat trouble. Arckbisliop Parker cited him before the
Eigll coiumissioners, to answer fgr what he had done ; and
upon his appearance, his lordship demanded his license to
preach in that seat of learning. He therefore produced the
letters of the university, by which, m the year 1363, he was
nominated and appointed one of the twelve university
preachers. The archbishop pronounced this license defec-
tive, being in the name of the vice-chancellor, masters, and
scholars alone, without the name of the chancellor. He
"wrote, at the same time, to Sir William Cecil, the chancel-
lor, urginff him to exercise his authority.* By these pro-
ceedings, Dr. Withers was most probably forbidden preach-
ing any more at Cambridge ; but it does not appear whether
he sufiered any other punishment.
Upon the above commotions, he travelled to Geneva,
Zunch, and other places, where he became intimately acr
qaainted with^uUinger, Gaulter,and other learned divides.
Having remained among his new friends a few years, he
returned to England ; and, in October, 1570, was made
archdeacon of Colchester; and, in November, 1572, was
admitted rector of Danbury in Essex. He submitted to the
ceremonies for the sake of peace, though he never approved
of them.f In the year 1583, upon the publication of Whit-
gifl^« three articles, and the oppressive measures which im-
mediately followed, he wrote to his worthy friend the Lord
Treasurer Burleigh, expressing his strong objections against
such rigorous proceedings. In this letter, dated from Dan-
bury, February 19, 1583^ he addressed the treasurer ail
follows :t
^^ My duty to your honour in most humble manner pre-
mised, with, my most earnest prayer to God for you. \ our
ponjtinual care of the church, and the importunity of my
friends, have enforced me to write to your lordship con.
cerning the present controversies in the church. I have
long wished the church were rid of some things, in the re-
taining of which I can see no advantage. The silencing of
ministers is like a man who, being angry with his shepherd',
forbids him tq feed his sheep, yet appoints none other in his
Slace, and so the sheep starve in the fold. Your care to
ave insufficie^t ijounisters rempved, is commendable and
godly.
*i With regard to the subscription to the Book of Common
Prayer, how .urged, though I think reverently of the book;
•- •♦ '
• Strype's Parker, p. 192—194. t Ibid. p. 198, 199.
i Strype*! Anoalsy toI. iii. Appco. ^. 62^-^»
S50 LIVES OF TRE PUIHTANS.
yet to think that its authors emd in nothing, is a lemeuoe
due to the canonical books of scriptuie alone, and not to anr
human author whatever. The things in the book whidi I
wish reformed are, first, such as cannot be defended : as
private baptism. How to reconcile it to the docCiine of
the church as by law established, to me appears imponiUe.
Also the minister receiving the other sacrament with the sick
man alone, is cootraiy to the nature of the communion;
contrary to the doctrine established ; and is cousiii-gcrmBn
to the private mass. The other things are taken cynt of Ae
Popish portuis, and translated into the Book of Gommon
rayer, which serves to confirm our adversaries in popery,
I wish the weapon were taken out of their hands*
^^ It is also an inconvenience, that the translation of the
scripture, as corrupted by the bishops, still remaineth in the
Bookof Commcmrrayer uncorrected: that the inierrogap
tories in baptism are directed to infants ; and that the prep
sent uiging of subscription, instead of prodndnr giealef
um/y, i fear it will make greater dUvision^ For I uinkflukt
many who now use the book, and are in other things con*
formable^ will hardly yield to subscribe according to the
form now required. Beseeching your lordship to pardon
my boldness, I commit you to the protection of Alniq|;hty
God.
♦^ Your lordship's in Christy
" George Withers.'*
Dr. Withers quitted the rectory of Danbury iii- 1€05,
most probably on account of his nonconformity ; bvt re-
mains archdeacon to his death. He died previous to
April 10, 1617.* The Oxford historian denominates him,
« Th6 Puritanical Satirist"+ He published *« The Lay-
man's Letters," 1585. — " A View of the Marginal Notes ia
the Popish Testament," 1588.
Francis Bunney, A. B, — Tliis person was bom at
Vach, near Chalfont St. Giles, in Buckinghamshire, May 8,
154S, and educated in the university of Oxford, where he
became fellow of Magdalen college. He entetea upon the
ministerial work in 1567, and soon became nn adinued md
a popular preacher. He was for some time chaplaiii to tiie
Earl of Bedford ; but, upon tlie resignation of his fi^Iow*
ship, he retired into the north of England, where he '"*'
♦ NewGpart*s Repert. Ecd. vol. i. p. 92,
f Wood*i Atbenae Ozoa. vol. i. p. 484.
F. BUNNEY. 251
^^Tered uncommon zeal, constancy, and popularity in his
ministerial labours. In the year 1573, he became preben*
dary of Durham ; the year following, upon the resignation
of Mr. Ralph Lever, he was made archdeacon of Nor^-
thumberland; and in 1578, he became rector of Ryton, in
the bishopric of Durham. Though he obtained these pre«
ferments, he did not hold them all at the same time^ but in
succession.* Upon his going into the north, the Bishops
^ilkin^n and Bams, successively of Durham, shewed him
great Isivour, and his labours were rendered particularly
usefuLf The former of these prelates was a great friend to
the puritans and silenced nonccmformists. He often took
them under his patronage and protection. He connived at
their nonconformity ; and, to the utmost of his power, pro^
moted, encouraged, and sheltered them from the storm.
Such appears to have been the conduct of this generous
prelate towards Mr. Bunney* Wood says ^^ he was very
zeakNis in his way, (meaning the way of puritanism ;) a
great admirer of John Calvin, a constant preacher, and
much given to charity; but a stiflF enemy to popery. "j:
He dira at Ryton, April 16, 1617, in the seventy-fourth
year of his age. His remains were interred in the chancel
of the church at that place; and upon the wall over his
grave is a monumental inscription on a brass plate^ the first
stanza of which is the following :
My bark now liavin^ won the haven,
I fear no stormy seas ;
God is my hope, my home is heaven.
My life is happy ease^
Mr. Bunney, by his last will and testament, bequeathed
thirty-three pounds to Magdalen college, Oxford, and one
btmdred pounds towards the erection of new colleges in that
university. He was brother to Mr. Edmund Bunney,
another puritan divine, whose memorial is given in the
following article^
His Works.— 1. A Survey and Trial of the Pope's Supremacy, 1690.
— ^ A Comparison between the ancient Faith of the Romans and
the new Romish Religion, 1695. — 3. Answer to a Popish Libel> caUed
A PeHtian to the BUIu^ps, Preachers^ and Owpellen, 1607. — i. Expo-
sition on Romans iii. 28, wherein is manifestly proved the Doctnnp
of Justification by Faith, 1616.-^. A plain and familiar Exposition
of theTenComm^ndmoots, 1617.— 6. In Joelis Prophetiam enarratio.
The last was left in manwifcripty and probably never published.
• Wood*s AtheosB Oxon. vol. i. p. 355, 740.
f 9trype*8 Aimali, yol. iii. p. 355. . i Atbea» Oxon. fol. i. p. 855.
f5S LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Edmund Bonnet, B. D. — This zealous minister
bom at Vach, near Chalfont St. Giles, in Backinghamshii^
in the year 1540, and educated in the university of Oxfoid;
where, on account of his great knowledge of logic and
philosophy^ he was elected probationer fellow of Biagdalcn
college. He wa9 the son of Mr. Richard Bunney of Newtoo,
usually called Bunneyrhall, near Wakefield in Yorkshire.
His father, designing him for the law, removed him from
the university, and sent him to the inns of court, where he
continued* about four years. Mr. Bunney, not 'liking the
law, resolved to study divinity, for which his father cast
him off, and disinherited him.* Upon this he returned to
Oxfgrd, and in 1565, was elected fellow of Mertcm coU^e, '
and admitted to the reading of the sentences. There was not
at this time a single preacher in his college, and the
greatest scarcity through the whole university ; but Mr.
unney was chosen preacher to the society. In this situa-
tion, he soon became a very eminent, constant, and popular
pre^her.f He used frequently to visit the university, fbr^
many years after he left it ; when he was constantly engaged
in preaibl^ing; and, by his sound doctrine and holy life,
was the means of doing unspeakable good, especially
among the scholars. He also travelled like an apostle,
oyer most parts of England, every where preaching the word,
Hereby he incurred the displeasure ana censure of many*
But, to acquit himself of all blame, he wrote '^ 4- Defence dT
his Labour in the Work of the Ministry." This he
dispersed among hi3 friends, though it does not appear that
it was ever published. But because he was a uoron^
Calvinist, and a zealous puritan. Wood denominates hun
'^ a busy, forward, and conceited man, and a moi^ fliii4
preacher." According to this writer, he. seldom or never
studied his sermons, but prayed and preached extempore;
and, in the opinion of many^ was troubled with the dmnUjf
squirt: and, he adds, that, by the liberties vrhich he fook in
his preaching, he did a great deal of harm.t The same
aiithor, indeed, styles him '^ an excellent writer, an emmnt
preachei^, and a learnecl theologi^t.''§ Mr. Strype calls htm
^f an eminent vnriter and divine.")
About the year 1570, Mr. Bunney became chapbon to
Grindal, Archbishop of York, who fi;aye lum i^ piebend m
* Wood's Athense Oxod. toI. i. p. S64.
+ Wood's Hist, and Antiq. of Oxod. vol. ii. p. 162.
i Athenae Oxon. vol. i. p. 364, 365.
Ilbid. p. 396,717.— Hist, and Antiq. toI. ii. p. 158.
Strjpe'i Apnali, ¥o1. ill. p. 609. '
B. BUNNEY^E. PAGET. S5S
that church, and thfe rectory of Bolton-Percy, near the city
of York. After holding the rectory twenty-five years, he
resigned the liring, when he was made sub-dean of York.
He died at Cawood in that county, February 26, 1617, aged
fifty-seven years^ His remains were interred in the south
aisle joining to the choir of the cathedral of York; and
pvf^r his grave is his e&gy carved in stone and fixed in
the wall, with a monumental inscription to his memory, of
which the following is a translation :
Edmund Bunney,
born of thd ancient and noble family of the Bunneys,
was Bachelor of Divinity,
and once Fellow of Mei^on College, Oxford,
Pastor of the parish of Bolton-Percy,
a very worthy Prebendary of St Paul's, London ;
of St. Peter's, York ;
and St. Mary's, Carlisle.
He spent a great part of his time in going about
from place to place in preaching,
leaving, for the love he had to Christ,
the patrimony bequeathed him by his father,
to his brother Richard.
He died February 26,
in the year 1617.
His Works. — 1. The Summ of the Christian Religion, 1576.—:
2. An Abridgment of Johtl Calvin's Institutions, 1580.— 3. A Treatise of
Purification, 1584.->-4. The Coronation of King David, 1588. — 5. A
necessary Admonition out of the Prophet Joel« concerning the hand
t>f God-that late was upon us, and is not clean taken off as yet, 1588*
— 6. A brief Answer to those idle and frivolous Quarrels of R. P.
(Robert Parsons) against the late edition of the Resolution, 1589. —
7. Divorce for Adtiltery, and Marrying again, that there is no sufficient
Warrant so to do, 1610.-'^. The Comer Stone ; or, a form of Teaching
Jesus Christ out of tibe Scriptures, 1611.
' EasfiBius Paget.— >This excellent divine was bom at
Crauford in Northamptonshire, about the year 1542, and
educated in Christ's Church, Oxford. He went to the
university at twelve years of age, and became an excellent
k^cian and philosopher* During his abode at Oxford^
be broke his right arm, and was lame of it ever after.
Removing from the university, he became vicar of Oundle,
and rector of Langton,* in his native county, but was
exceedingly harassed on account of his nonconformity.
* firidgct*s Hilt, of NortiuuDptoiiihirey toI. I. p« 306.
234 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
January 99, 1373, he ivas cited before ScamUeTy Udiop d
Peterborough, who first suspended him for the space of tnrae
weeks, then deprived him of his living, worth a Imidnd
pounds a year. Several others were suspended and dranvri
at the same time, because they could not, with a good oon-
science, subscribe to certain promises and cnga^remeall
proposed to them by the bishop.* Upon their defvivatiaa,
they presented a supplication to the queen and parliament,
for their restoration to their beloved ministry ; but ta no
purpose : They must subscribe, or be buried m silence. A
circumstantial account of these intolerant proceedings will
be found in another place.f
In the year 1576, Mr. Paget was exercised with new
oppressions. His unfeeling persecutors, not content with
depriving him of his ministry and his living, ordered him
to \ye taken into custody, and sent up to JLondon. He
was, therefore, apprehended, with Mr. John Ozenbridge,
another leading person in the associations in Northamp-
tonshire and Warwickshire, and they were both carried
urisoners to the metropolis, by a special order from Arch-
Dishop Grindal.^ It docs not, however, appear how long
they were kept in custody, nor what further persecutiflns
they suffered.
Mr. Paget was afterwards preferred to the rectory of
Kilkhampton in Cornwall. Upon his presentation to the
benefice, he acquainted both his patron and crJimirVf
that he could not, with a good conscience, observe all me
rites, ceremonies, and orders appointed in the Book oF
Common Prayer ; when they generously promised, that, if
he would accept the cure, he should not be urged to the
precise observation of them. On these concutioos, he
accepted the charge, and was r^ularly admitted and
inducted.^ He was a lame man; but, in the opinion of
Mr. Strype, <^ a learned, peaceable, and good divine, who
had formerly complied with the customs and devoticms of
the church, and had been inde&tigable in the ministry.'*!
But Mr. Farmer, curate of Barnstaple, envying his p(^«
* Dr. Ednrand Scambler, lacceuiTely bitbop of PeterbonMfb
Norwich, was the first pastor of tbe protestaot coogregatioD In Loodottyla
the reigo of Queen Mary ; but was compelled, on accoant of tbe Mfferity
of persecotioD, to relinqoish tbe sitoation. He was a learned nuw, voy
tealons asaiosttbe papists, and probably driven into a state of iexO«i bai^
surely, he forgot his former circomstances wlicn he became a
persecutor of his brethren in the days of Queen Elizabeth.
f See Art. Arthur WalLe. % Strype's Grindal, p. S15. 218.
S MS. Rtfister, p. 57)^. | Strype's Wldlgift, p. STT.
E. PAGET. i&b
laritv. eomplaiiied of him to the high oommissiaii ; trheii
the mloyring charges were exhibited against him : — <^ Tfa^
in liis inrayers he never mentioned the queen's supremacy
over both estates. — That he had said the sacraments were
only dumb elements^ and would not avail without the word
preached. — That he had preached that Christ did not
descend, both body and soul, into hell. — That the pope
might set ub the feast o{ jubilee, as well as the feasts of
Easier and l^eM^ost, — That holy days and fast days were
only the inventions of men, which we are not obliged to
follow.— That he disallowed of the use of organs in divine
worship. — That he called ministers who did not preach,
dumb dogs; and those who have two benefices, knaves,-^
And that he preached that tlie late Queen Mary was a
detestable woman, and a wicked Jezebel."* These were the
crimes exhibited against our divine; though upon hid
appearance before Archbishop Whitgifl and other com-
missioners, January 11, 1584, he was charged only in tho
coami(»i form^ with refusing to observe the Book of Common
Krayer, and the ecclesias(tical rites and ceremonies; to
which he made the following reply :f
'< I do acknowledge, that by the statute of the 1 Eliz. I am
bound to use the said Book of Common Prayer, in such
manner and form as is prescribed, or else abide by such pain^
as by the law are imposed upon me. I have not refused to
' use the Common Prayer, or to minister the sacraments, in
such Order as the book appoints, though I have not used all
the rites, ceremonies, and orders set forth in the said book.*
1. Because^ ix> my knowledge, there is no Common Prayer
Book in the church. 2. Because I am informed, that you,
before whom I stand, and mine ordinary, and greatest part
of the other bishops and ministers, do use greater liberty in
omitting and altering the said rites, ceremonies, and orders.
S. Because I am not resolved in my conscience, that I may
use divers of them. 4. Because, when I took the charge of
that church, I was promised by mine ordinary, that I should
not be urged to such ceremonies ; which, I am informed,
he might do by law.
^^ In those things which I have omitted, I have done
nothing obstinatdy; neither have I used any other rite,
ceremony, order, iform, or manner of administration of the
sacramaits or open prayers, than is mentioned in the said
book; although there are some things which I doubt
• MS. Retistert p. 574, 575. f Ibid. p. 670.
956 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
"whether I may use or practise. Wherefore, I humblj
pray, that J may have the liberty allowed by the said book|
of having in some convenient time, a favourable confereno^
either with mine ordinary, or with some other by yoa
appointed. This I seek not for any desire I have to Imp
. the said living, but only for the better resolution and satis-
faction of my own conscience, as God knoweth. Subscribed
by me,
" Lame, Euserius Paget.** "
This answer proving unsatisfactory to Whitgiflt and hii
bretliren, Mr. Pa^t was immediately suspended ; ' and
venturing to preacTi after his suspension, he was deprived of
his benefice. The principle reasons of his dcprivatioii|
were, ^' The omission of part of the public prayers, the craa
in baptism, and the surplice ; and the irregularity of deal-
ing in the fnihistry after his susi)ension."
In the opinion of the learned civilians, however, these
things were not sufficient cause of deprivation, and, conse-
auently, the proceedings of the high comnsission weie
eemed unwarrantable. The Case was argued at some
length; and being now before me, the reader is here
favoured with the reasons on which the opinion is founded.
His deprivation was accounted unwarrantable, because he
had not time, nor conference, as he desired, and as the statute
in doubtful cases warranted. He had not three aevc^d
admonitions, nor so much as o;ie, to observe those things in
due time, as the law required. If this had been done, and^
after such respite and admonition, he had not confonned,
then the law would have deemed him a recusant, but not
otherwise. And if the whole of this process had been
regularly observed, Mr. Paget's omissions had so many
favourable circumstances, as, that the parish had not pro-
vided a Prayer Book, and his ordinary had promised that
he should not t)e urged to observe all the ceremonies,, that
it was hardly consistent with prudence and charity to
deprive him so suddenly.
As to his irregularity in preaching after his sugpensioo,
the civilians were of opinion, that the suspension was void,
because founded upon a process not within the cogmxanoe
of those who pronounced the sentence. For the ground of
the sentence was his refusing to subscribe to aiticM
devised and tendered by the ecclesiastical c(NnmissioiienL]irh6
had no warrant whatever to offer any such articles. Thai
authority, as expressed in their commission, extended no
farther than to reform and correct those things which weie
E. PAGET. ^7
contrary to, certain statutes, and other ecclesiastical laws;
ttfeie being no clause in the commission allowing them to
ire subscription to articles of their own invention;'
ley further argued, that, on supposition the suspension
* been warrantable, all irregularity was done away by.
Hie queen's pardon, long before his deprivation. Besides,
|Ir. Facet cud not exercise himself in the ministry after his
jpispension, nor even, attempt to do it, till after he had
gdbtained from the archbishop himself a release from that
ifospension; which he apprehended, in such a case, to be
fufficient, seeing his grace was chief in the commission. And
in addition to this, all the canonists allowed, that mistake
f£ ignorance, being void of wilful contempt, as in the
present case, were a lawful excuse from irregularity.* Notf
withstanding these arguments in favour of the poor, lame
minister of Christ, the learned prelates remained inflexible |
and, right or wrong, were determined to abide by what
tfae^ had decreed ; therefore, the patron disposed of the
liying to another.
\ Mf. Paget's enemies were resolved to ruin him. From
the above statement, his case was, indeed, very pitiablcf.
This, however, was not the conclusion of his troubles : his
iiitare hardships were still more lamentable. After being
deprived both of his ministry and benefice, and having t6
pyovide for a numerous family, the poor man set up a
small school : but there the extended arms of the higU
commissioners reached him. For, as he was required to
bke out a license, and to subscribe to the articles of reli-
£*3n, which he could not do with a good conscience, they
at up his school, as they had before shut him out of the
church, and left him to sufier in extreme poverty and want.
In tiMs painful condition, he sent an account of his case in
'% Idter to the lord admiral, to whom he was well known.
and by whom he was much beloved. In this letter, dated
June 3, 1591, he expressed himself as follows :f
^^ I never gathered any separate assembly from the church,
nor was I ever present in them ; but always abhorred them.
I always resorted to my parish church, and was present at
Msrvice ' and preaching, and received the sacrament ac-
OUfding to the book. I thought it my duty not to forsake
(be church because it had some blemishes ; but while I
have endeavoured to live in peace, others have prepared
tlianselves for war. I was turned out of my living by
« ]|8. Reguter/p. 572, 573. -f Strype*8 Wbit^^ft, Appta. p. 106^ 167.
▼OL. II. . 8
SSi LIVES OF THE PURITANS;
eommandraait. Afterwards, I preached wifhoot Ihrin^'
and without stipend ; and when I was fiMrbiddeny I oe8ie£'
I then tanffht a few children, to obtain a little bread fm
myself and my family; and when some disliked this, mbA
commanded me to give it up, I obeyed and gave it B|iw
<^ I beseech your lordship to continue yonr great laioar
towards me, that I may not be turned out of bowe aad
calling, and be obliged, as an idle rogue and yagabondj lo
go frond door to door, begging my bread, while I am me
to obtain it in a lawful calling. And I beseech 3^00 to be a
means of obtaining her majesty's favour, thart I may bs
allowed to live in some place and calling, as beooraeth a
f)eaceable subject. And i beseech the Ixffd God tohkai
and prosper your honour for ever. Your loidship^B most
obedient servant,
** liame, Eusebivs Pagbt.**
How long the good man continued under the eoeksiaf-
tical censure, we are not able to learn. It i% howeim
probable he continued some years. Mr. Paget wJucribm
the ^^ Book of Discipline.^'* But we find no fiiitbs
account of him till September 21, 1604, when he became
rector of St. Ann and Agnes, in Aldersgate-stieety tdmdob^
There he laboured in the Lord's vineyard, till lie finished
his work, dying in May, 1617, aged seventy-five . yeaiii
His remains were interred in his own church. Wood sayk
^ he was many years a ccHistant and fiulhful preacher of
God^s word."f And Fuller styles him << the golden 80>-
phister, a painful preacher," and author c^ an eBcdfcnl
"History of the Bible."t
His Works.— 1. Sermon on Tithes, 1583.— 2. A Cateehi■■^ IBOl
The History of the Bihle, hriefly collected by way of QoaliMi
and Answer, 1097.-4. Sermon on Election. — 6. A TraaslatiM d
Calvin's Harmony of Matthew, Maik, and links. He was aatkr
also of some other pieces.
Thomas Stone. — This pious divine was educated b
Christ's Church, Oxford, chosen one of the proctors (^ dii^
university, and became rector of Warkton in Norduunpr
tonshire. He was a person of good leamin|^ and giw
worthy a zealous puritan, and a member of the datfii^
• Neal»« Puritans, ▼ol. i. p. 493.
+ Wood's AtbeosB Oxon. ▼ol. i. p. 367.^Newcoarf s Repeit BcA
?ol. i. p. «7a ' .
t Filler** Worthies, part ii. p. 890.
STONB. SB§
bi^^ sometimes chosen moderator. He united with his
biethren in subscribing the ^^ Book of Discipline ;"• but was
■Jferwanl^ brought into trouble for nonconformity, and his
Esncem to reform church discipline. July 27, 1590, he
f^as app:ehended and brought before Attomey-Gieneral
Bepliam, and required to take the oath ex officio. The day
BlUowing he was examined in the star-chamber, from AjL
D^dock in the morning till seven at night; and required
Jjtai his oath, to give his answer to thirty-three articles.f
mne oi the puritans thought, that when they were ex*
Mtained before their spiritual judges, it was their duty to
•onfesB all they knew. This was Mr. Stone's opinion in the
brfore us. His examination chiefly related to the classical
nblies; and though he could not give a direct answer
to all the interrogatories, he gave an account of the greater
and lesser assemblies; where they met; how often; and
Hrhat persons officiated. He answered several questions
j^QDCefniiiff the authority by which they met together ; who
^pete mo&rators; upon what points they debated; and
|Alrt censures were exercised. But, in order that this may
^ffffcxf to greater advantage, it will be proper to give those
itHDcles upon which he spoke explicitly, with the substance
gf his answers ; which were the following :
^ 1. Who and how many assembled at their classis ? where^
and when, and how often were they held ?
V In answer to this article, he -specified the names of about
fiuly ministers X ^ho attended these assemblies, though not
dl lit one .time ; and that they had held them in London,
Cambridge, Northampton, and Kettering.
8. Who called these assemblies, by what authority, and
ib what manner ?
^ I know not, says Mr. Stone, by whom they were called ;
mm do I know any other authority therein, only that which
tjffts voluntary, by giving one another intelligence sometimes
hf letter, and sometimes by word of mouth, as occasion
served.
* S. Who were moderators in them, and what was their
I I remember not who were moiderators in any assembly
l^irticidarly, excepting .once at Northampton, when Mr.
« Real's Puritans, vol. i. p. 483.
' i- FaUer't Church Hist. b. ix. p. 206.
X From a list of the ministers, now before me, who attended these assem-
bf tei, tbere were, in all, upwards of ei|;hty.— JfS. Chronology^ yol. ii.
p. 4d5. (6.)
260 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Johnson ¥ras admonished, and that was Mr. Snape te.
myself, I am not certain which. •
4. Wliat things were debated in those meetings ar as-
semblies? .
The principal things considered in tliose assembUei^ "W^SBtf
how far ministers might yield to subscribe unto the Book
of Common Prayer, rather than forego their miniatrj. The
<^ Book of Discipline" was oflen perused and ^sciMBed.
Three petitions were agreed upon to be drawn up aod-
presented, one to her majesty, another to the Icwds of tk
council, and another to the bishops. As to the particolat
things debated, I remember only, the perfecting of the
<< Book of Discipline,'^ and the subscription to it at Cam-
bridge. Also, whether it was convenient for Mr. Cartwririit
to reveal the circumstances of the assemblies, a little beroce
he was committed. Likewise the admonition of Mr. Johnsoni.
at Northampton. And whether the books of Apocrypha
might be warrantably read in public worship, as the
canonical scriptures. . . ^
. 5. Were any censures exercised ; what kinds, when, wheie,
upon whom, by whom, and for what cause ?
I never saw any censure exercised, excepting admonitkiD
once given to Mr. Johnson of Northampton, for impipper
conversation, to the scandal of his calling : nor waa uut
used with any kind of authority, but by voluntary and
mutual agreement, as well by him who was admonished, as
him who gave the admonition.
6. Have any of the said defendants moved or persuaded
any to refuse an oath, and in what case ?
I never knew any of the defendants to use words of
persuasion to refuse any oath; only Mr. Snape .sent. me
certain reasons gathered out of scripture, which led
him to refuse the oath ex officio; which, I am persuaded,
he sent for no other purpose, than to declare, that ]|B
refused to swear, not of contempt, but for consdcnoe
sake.*
This is the substance of what is preserved by our h^jrio*
rians. Mr. Stone, however, by his long examination, brou^
many things to light, extremely offensive to the mlu^
Prelates ; but which, till that time, were perfectly unknowiu
'hough he did not, it seems, give this information out of
any ill design, but because he was required upon his o$0i
so to do ; yet many of the puritans were inclined to
• Funer's Church Hist. b. ix. p. 307— 209.^Strjpe'i Whilsift, Appcf.
p. 159-^166.
BAYNES. 261
complain of his adding affliction to their bonds, seeing it
"twop^ht them into many troubles. Mr. Stone, therefore, to
acqmt himself of the blame attached to him by his brethren,
drew up and published a vindication of what he had done.
^Ilie reasons alleged in his own defence^ were in ^U sixteen ;
bat the principal were, '' That he thought it was unlawful to
refuse an oath, when offered by a lawful magistrate.-^That,
baying taken the oath, he was not at liberty to say nothing,
much less to deliver an untruth^ — ^And he saw no pro-
bability, nor fsven possibility, of things being any longer
'concealed."*
Mr. Stpne, with several others, having fully discovered
^be classipal associations^ many of hi;s brethren were ca^
into prison, where they remained a long time under extreme
bardabips ; but he was himself released. Having obtained
bis liberty, he returned to his ministerial charge at Warkton ;
Inhere he continued without further molestation the r^
mainder ci his life. He di^ an old man and full of days«
.in the year 1617. Bridges observes, that he was inducted
into tlije living of Warkton in the year 1553.f If this
fltntemei^t be correct, he must have been rector of that place
jnxty-four years. He was a learned man, of great upright*
negB, and uncommon plainness of spirit, minding not the
filings of this world ; yet, according to Wood, « a stiff
nonconformist, and a jealous presb^terian."{:
Paul Batnes, A. M. — This excellent divine was born
in London, and educated in Christ's college, Cambridge,
whare he was chosen fellow* His qonduct at the university
was, at first, so exceedingly irregular, that his father was
much displeased with him; and, at his death, left forty
fi[>llnds a year, to the disposal of his friend Mr. Wilson of
irchin*>lane, desiring, that if his son should forsake his
ievil 'V^ys, and become steady, he would give it him; but
if he did not, that he should withhold it from him. Not
lon^ after his fiither^s death, it pleased God to Convince him
oi bis sins, and bring him to repentance. He forsook the
paths of vice, and jsoon became eminent for piety and holiness.
Much being forgiven him, he Ipved much^ Mr. Wilson,
being taken dangerously ill, and having heard what the
• . • Fuller's Cborch Hist. b. ix. p. 800, 810.
:■ -¥ Bridges*i Hist, of NorthamptoosbiiY, vol. i. p. 274.
. .4 IWcf's Cliwrcb Hist. b. Ix. p. 810. —Wood's Athenas Ozoa,
vol. i. p. 749.
S6S LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Lord had done for Mr. Bnynes, sent for him, when lie
was much delighted and profited by his fervent prayers and
holy conversation. Therefore, according to the tnul
reposed in him, be made known to Mr. Baynes the agree*
ment into which he had entered with his father, and de-
livered to him the securities of the above annuity.
Mr. Baynes, it is said, was inferior to non& m sharpnctt
of wit, in depth of judmnent, in variety of reading, ii
aptness to teach, and in holy, pleasant, and heavenly co^
yersatioii. Indeed, his fame was so great at Cambridge^
that, upon the death of the celebrated Mr. Perkins, no onf
was deemed so suitable to succeed him in the lecture at 8t
Andrew's. In this public situation, he was much admired
and followed; multitudes rejoiced under his ministry; and
he so conducted himself, that impiety alone had cause to
complain.* Here he was instrumental, under Grod, in the
conversion of many souls. Among these was the holy and
celebrated Dr. Sibbs.
His excellent endowments, together with his extensiTe
usefulness, could not screen him from the oppressions of
the times. Dr. Harsnet, chancellor to Archbishop Bancnf^
visiting the university, silenced him, and put down hi
lecture, for refusing sul^ription. Mr. Baynes vras reqniied
to preach at this visitation, when his sermon was sound and
unexceptionable. But being of a weak constitution, he
retired at the close of the service, for some refreshm^;
and being called during his absence, and not answering, he
was immediately silenced. Nor were his enemies satufied
with this, but, to make sure work of it, the reverend dtsn-
cellor silenced him over again ; all of which Mr. Baynes
received with a pleasant smile on his countenam:e.f
Having received the ecclesiastical censure, he appealed to the
archbishop ; but his grace stood inflexible to the deteimi*
nation of his chancellor, and threatened to lay the ffood M
man by the heels, for appearing before him with ar.ffi^
black edging on his cuffs.X
After receiving the above coisure, Mr. Baynes preached
only occasionally, as he found opportunity, and war
• Clark *8 Lives aoiiexed to his Martyrologie, p. SSy 88.
■f* Baynes^s Diocesaas Tryall, Pref. Edit. 108K
X Ibid.—How a little blaclL edging could offend his lordsUp, If certalsiy
not easy to discover. It was not prohibited by any of the canon, nor WKf
violatioo of the ecclesiastical constitotioDs. Therefore, onleMi ^ nich-
bisbop had some enmity against the good man pre^omly in kli Ivnrt, it
foems dificuU to say how he could have been offmdod wifck to Sriviil
a matter.
i>.
BAYNES. S6S
tedttccd to ereat poyerty and -want Notwitbatanding this,
lie never faTamea himself for his nonconformity. But of
Hie persecuting prelates he used pleasantly to say, '^ Thej
aue a generation of the earth, earthly, and savour not the-
ways of God." He was an excellent casuist, acnd great
Bumbers under distress of conscience resorted to him for
instruction and comfort. This the bishops denominated
keeping conventicles; and for this marvellous crime, Bishop
fiiirsaet. Iris most furious persecutor, intended to have
•mocuied his banishment. He was, therefore, called before
i^ council ; and, being allowed to speak in his own defence,
jhe made so admirable a speech, that before he had done,
^«ie of the. lords stood up, and said, ^^ He speaks more
like an angel than a many and I dare not stay here to have
# hand in any sentence against him." Upon this he was
dismissed, and heard no more of it.*
Though Mr. Baynes's natural temper was warm and
iititaUe, no one was more ready to receive reproof, when
ipipperly administered. Indeea, by the power of divine
grace, the lion was turned into a lamb ; and he was become
of so holy and humble a spirit, that he was exceedingly
Moved and revered by all who knew him. During the
sommer season, after he was silenced, he usually visited
jRnflemen in the country; and they accounted it a peculiar
lelicity to be &voured with his company and coiiversation*
In his last sickness, the adversary of souls was permitted
to disturb his peace. He laboured to the last under many
doubts and fears, and left the world less comfortable than
many others, greatly inferior to him in christian faith and
lioliness. He died at Cambridge, in the year 1617.
The celebrated Dr. Sibbs gives the following account of
Om acoompiished servant of Christ : " Mr. Baynes," says he,
^ was a man of much communion with Grod, and acquaint*
^ ance with his own heart, observing the daily footsteps of
M his life. He was much exercised with spiritual conflids«
^< by which he became more able to comfort others. He had
^ a deep insight into the mystery of Grod's grace, and manlB
.^ corrviption. He sought not great things in the world.
^ He possessed great learning, a clear judgment, and a ready
<< wiw*f Fuller has classed him among the learned writers
who were fellows of Christ's coUegt-, Cambridge.t What a
Rproach was it to the ruling prelates, and what a blow
nipinst the diurch of God, wbm wo excdleat it divipe was
aside and almost starved I
• Cburk*B Live^ p. S3, S4. f Ibid. p. 94.
t FUl€r'iHiat^Ckabp.9f.
564 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
The following anecdote is related of Mr. Baynes, shewing;
the warmth of his natural temper, with his leiUliness to
receive reproof and to make a proper use of it . A religioiB
jpfentleman placed his son under his care and tuition ; aaid
Mr. Baynes, entertaining some friends at supper, sent the boy
into the town for sometliing which they wanted. The boy
staying longer than was proper, Mr. Bayncs reproved him
with some sharpness, severely censuring his conduct. Tlie
boy remained silent; but the next day, when his tutor was
calm, he thus addressed him : ^' My father placed me under
your care not only for the benefit of human learning, bot
that by your pious counsel and example, I might be brought
up in the fear of God: but you, sir, giving w&y to your
passion the last night, gave me a very evil example, such
as I have never seen in my father's house.** ^^ Sayest thou
so,*' answered Mr. Baynes. '^ Go to my tailor, and let him
buy thee a suit of clothes, and make them for thee, which I
will pay for, to make thee amends." And it is' added, that
Mr. Baynes watched more narrowly over his own spirit ever
afler.»
His Works.-— 1. Holy Helper in God's Building, 1618.— -3. Dii^
course on the Lord's Prayer, 1619. — 3. The Diocesans Tirall, whereia
all the Sinnewes of Dr. Downham's Defence are brought into three
Heads and orderly dissolved, 1621. — 4. Help to tme Happiiieta»
1635. — 6. Brief Directions to a Godly Life, 1637. — 6. A dmmah
tary on Ephesians, 1668.
William Bbadshaw, A. M. — This excellent divine^
descended from the ancient family of Bradshaws in Lanca-
'ahire, was bom at M arket-Boswoith in Leicestershire, in the
year ISTl, and educated in Emanuel college, GambricU;^
Having taken his degrees, he went, by the recommendatfDn
of Dr. Chadderton, to Guernsey, where he became tutor'to
the children of Sir Thomas Leighton, governor of the islafld.
In this situation he formed an intimate acquaintance witb
Mr. Thomas Cartwright, which death alone could dissolve.
During Mr. Bradshaw's abode at Guernsey, he maintained
an unblemished character, and discovered great fixAjy
industry, and faithfulness in his official situation. Upon Us
jetum to England, on his way to Cambridge, he Terjr
narrowly escaped being drowned. He was chosen fellow of
Sidney college, then newly erected. Here he discovcKd
much prudence and piety, and was highly respected. ' Ht
■
* Clark's Examples, p. 79. Edit. 1671.
> IBRADSHAW. «65
'^^as of so amiable a disposition, that his yeiy enemies ^ero
' constrained to speak well of him. Upon his settlement at
Cambridge, he entered into the ministerial office, when he
i^as not particularly urged to observe those things which he
scrupled. He preached occasionally at Abington, Bassing-
ibom, and Steeple-Morton, near Cambridge; but did not
settle at any of these places.
' In the year 1601, having received a pressing invitation
from the people of Chatham in Kent, he became their
^pastor. In this situation, to his own' great comfort, and
'that of the people, his labours were soon made a bless-
ing to many. Multitudes flocked to hear the word at his
tmouth, which presently awakened the jealousy and envy of
other ministers. It was deemed advisable now to obtain
dhis confirmation from the Archbishop of Canterbury ; and
to this end. Sir Francis Hastings wrote a most pious and
-modest letter to his lordship.* At this particular juncture^
;Mr. Bradshaw's enemies falsely accused him to the arch-
bishop, of preaching unsound doctrine; thetefore, instead
of obtaining his confirmation, he received a citation from
Dr. Buckridge, dated May S6, 1602, to appear by nine
o*clock the next morning, before his grace of Canterbury,
and his lordship of London, at Shorne, a small distance
from Chatham. Mr. Bradshaw appearing at the time and
place appointed, the Bishop of London, aner asking certain
questi(ms, charged him with having taught, '' That man is
not bound to love God, imless he be sure that God loves
him." Mr. Bradshaw denied the charge; and though he
offered to produce numerous respectable witnesses in refuta-
tion of it, and to prove what he had taught, the offer was
rejected. . But, to finish the business, and strike him at once
" dumb, he was required to subscribe ; and because he could
'not, with a good conscience, he was immediately suspended,
bound to appear again when called,, and then dismissed. t
His unexpected suspension and expulsion from Chatham,
caused the friends of Christ to mourn, and his enemies to
triumph. His numerous flock, having sat under his
-ministry with great delight, were peculiarly anxious to have
rhirn restored. A supplication was, therefore, drawn up in
.the name of the parishioners of Chatham, and presented to
.the Bishop of Rochester, earnestly desiring the restoratioh
« This exceUeot letter, dated April 25, 1602, in which Sir Francis gives
. higb commeiidations of Mr. Bradshaw's character, is still preserved.—
Ctark't Lives annexed to kU MurtprQlogie^ p. 37.
. flliid. p. «h^«44.
i
f£
tS^ LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
of ibeir silenced pastor. In this suppltcatton, after eaqxisiii^
the false charffes of his adversaries^ they declare, ^ That
Mr. Bradshaw s doctrine was always soimd, holy, leumd,
and utterly void of faction and contention ; that his life
was so ornamented with unblemished virtues, that malke
itself could not condemn him ; and that he directed all
labours to beat down wickedness, to comfort the
and to instruct the ignorant, without meddling with the
needless controversies of the day." They conclude hj
humbly entreating his lordship's fiivour, tliat he would be
the happy means of restoring to them their viztuons aad
fiuthful shepherd.* But the decree of the bishq^ and
archbishop, like the laws of the Medes and Persiaiis, was
ne forth ; these intercessions were, therefore, inefiectaaL
he meek and pious divine quietly yielded to be driven
from his ministry and his flock.
During these apparently cross dispensations, GodL who
worketh all things after the counsel of his own will, was
providing for Im. Bradshaw a place of rest Being ton
irom his beloved and affectionate people, by treachery aad
episcopal power, he found a comfortable retreat under- the
hospitable roof of Mr. Alexander Redich, of NewhaD,
near Burton-upou-Trent in Staffordshire. This pioos and
worthy gentleman not onW received him into his house, but
procured him a license uom the Bishop ai Lichfield and
Coventry, to preach in any part of his diocese : thia ikvenr
was continued as long as the bishop lived. In thia retired
situation, Mr. Braddiaw preached for some time at the
chapel in the park ; then, when that became too small, ia
the parish church of Stapenhill. This he did finr alMt
twelve years, receiving nothing from Ae pariah. During
the whole of this period, he was supported by his wtwdij
jpatron, in whose . &mily he lived, and was treated with tbcr
utmost kindness, Mr. Bradshaw was afterwards chosei
lecturer of Christ's church, London ; but the htahiop abso*
lutely refused his allowance.
Conformity being now enforced with great rigour, seveid
worthy divines ventured to set forth their grievancies, their
exceptions, and the grounds of their dissen^ and to answor
the arguments of their opponents. Among these was lb.
3tadshaw, who published his Reply to l>r. Bilaont and Dr.
> * Clark*t Livea uwexed to his Maityrologie, p. 49.
- f Or. Bilsos's celebrated work in defence of the natimial ckaroh» k
entitled, *^ The perpetaall Governnent of ChriKci Charrhs WhantiM
arc handled. The fatherly saperioritie which God fini cHabUilMa ia thi
BRADSHAW. , • ggT
JDoswnbafli) two notable chamiMions for episcopacy and
tlie ceremonies. The puritans being treated with great
jseverity^ and^ stis^matized as fanatics, schismatics, and
.enemies both to God and the king; Mr. Bradshaw, to
jpraaoye these slanders, and to give the world a correqt
MfMemeat of their principles, published his '^ English
Puritanism, containing the main Opinions <^ the rigidc^t
sort of those tliat are called Puritans in the realm of Eng-
land.*' In this excellent perfonnance, to which the learned
Dr. Ames wrote a preface, and translated it into Latin, for
the benefit of foreigners, it is observed, '^ That the puritans
jnaintain the absolute perfection c^the holy scriptures, botti
as to feith and worship; and that whatever is required
as a part of divine service^ which cannot be warranted by
the word of God, is unlawful." This is the broad basis oa
which thev founded their opinions a^d practice ; and ia
correspcmdtence with this generous sentiment, they further
maintained, ^< That the pastors of particular congregatiomr
are the highest spiritual (^cers in the church of Cnrist, oy^
whom there is, by divine ordinance, no superior pastor,,
excepting Jesus Christ alone. — That they are led by the
spirit of antichrist, who arrogate to themselves to be pastors
of pastors^ — ^That every particular church hath power to
elect its own officers, and to censure its own members.-^-^
That, to fcNToe a congr^ation to support a person as their
pastor, who is either unable or unwilling to instruct them, is
as great an injury as to force a man to maintain as his wife^
one who rrfuseth to perform the duties of a wife^" &;c.*
All books published in defence of the puritans wer^
indeed, accounted dangerous both to church and state ; and
when they came forth, the most diligent search was made
for them, as well as for their authors. Therefcnre, Mr.
Bradshaw being in London, two pursuivants were sent to
his lodginffs to apprehend him, and to search for suspected
books. When the pursuivants came, he was not to h$
found ; and, not more than half an hour before their arrival,
ftus wife, to prey^t danger, had taken a quantity of those
Fstriarkes for Uie guidiiig of his charch, and after contianed in the tribe of
Ijtii and the Prophetest and lasUie confirmed io the New Testament to the
Apostles and their Successors : as also the points in question at this day*
tonching the Jewish Synedrion; the true Kingdome of Christ i m
Aposttei Commission i the Laie Presbyterie i the Distinction of Bishops aii4
Pfofbyters^ and their succession from the Apostles times and bands :" ftc«
1593. This, It is said, is one of the best books written in fiiTOor w
cpiscopac/.-rAiojr. Britan. ▼ol. ii. p. SIO. Edit. 1778.
• Sosllrii Pvitaniim, p. 36— 42. Edit. laOO.
268 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
books out of his study, and cast them into a hgle betweei
two chimnies : and though they broke open chests, trunb^
and boxes, and searched evenr comer m the boisae fbej
could think of, the books remained undiscovered. Nerer*
theless, they carried Mrs. Bradshaw before the high com-
mission, where she underwent a severe examination, with
an evident design to make her betray her husband; but
their purpose having utterly failed, after binding her to
appear when called, she was dismissed.*
In the year 1617, Mr. Bradshaw returning from a journey,
the bishop's chancellor welcomed him home with a suspen*
sion from preaching any more, without his further allow*
ance. But, by the mediation of a worthy friend, the chan-
cellor soon became satisfied; took oiF his restraint; add
tlie good man went forwards in the peaceable exercise of
his ministry. Besides preaching constantly at StapenhiU,
this learned divine united with his brethren in their associa-
tions at Ashby-de-la-Zoucb, Repton, and Burton-upoii-
Trent. On these occasions, besides public preaching,
for the benefit of the respective congregations, ihej
had private religious conference among themselves. For
their mutual advantage, they proposed subjects for disciv-
iion; when Mr. Bradshaw is said to have discovered a
depth of judgment, and a power of balancing points of
controversy, superior to the rest of his brethren. Qb.
account of his great abilities, he was conunonly styled
the weighing divine. He was well grounded in Ihe
fundamental doctrines of the gospel, and well studied in the
points about subscription, the ceremonies, the civil power,
and the authority of the prelates ; yet he was an enemy to
separation.f
Mr. Bradshaw, in his last sickness, had very humiliating
views of himself, and exalted views of God and the poweir
of his grace. He exhorted those about him, to learn to die
before death approached ; and to lay a foundation in time
of life and health, that would afibrd them comfort in timo
of sickness and death. At Chelsea, near London, he ita
seized with a malignant fever, which baffled all the power of
medicine, and soon terminated his mortal existence. He died
in peace, and in great satisfaction with his nonconformity,
in the year 1618, aged forty-seven years : his r(»nain8 wem
interred at Chelsea, and most of the ministers about the
fAty attended the funeral solemnity. His funeral sennon
• Clark*8 Liyes, p. 45-46. i Ibid. p. 49, A^ BOr
BRADSHAMT. ' «9'
Iras pfreached. by his worthy friend Mr. Thomas Gataker^ *
who mre him the following character : ^^ He was studious,
humMe, upright, affectionate, liberal, and compassionate.
He pofieessed a sharp wit, a clear apprehension, a sound,
jodgment, an exact method, a poweiful delivery, and a.
angular dexterity in clearing up intricate debates, dis-
covering the turning points in dispute, stating controversies
aright, and resolving cases of conscience." The celebrated
Bi&op H^says, ^^ He had a strong understanding, and a
free spirit, not suiFerin|r himself for small matters of judg-
ment to be alienated n'om his friends; to whom, notwith-
standing his seeming austerity, he was very pleasing in
oonversation, being full of witty and harmless urbanity. He
was very strong and eager in argument, hearty in friendship,
imrdless of uxe world, a despiser of compliment, a lover
ofreality, full of digested learning and excellent notions, a
painful labourer in God's work, and now, no doubt,
gkvioudy rewarded."*
The productions of Mr« Bradshaw's pen were numerous,
and most of them very excellent. His '^ Treatise of Justi-
fication," was much admired by men of learning, as
appears from the following anecdote : Some time after Mr.
Bradshaw's death, the famous Dr. Prideaux, being in com-
panv with his son, and, finding who he was, said, << I am
gha to see the son of that man, for the old acquaintance I
kad, not with your father, but with bis Book of Justifica-
ti(m."f We shall give a list of his pieces, in addition to
those already mentioned, though perhaps not in the exact
order in which they came forth, as it is difficult to procure
an exact statement of the time of their publication.
His Works. — 1. A Treatise of Divine Worship, tending to prove
that the Ceremonies imposed upon the Ministers of the Gospel in
England, in present Controversy, are in their use unlawful, 1604. —
2. A Treatise of the Nature and Use of Things Indifferent, tending
to prove that the Ceremonies, in present Controversy, are neither in
Nature or Use Indifferent, 1606. — 3. Twelve Arguments, proving
that the Ceremonies imposed upon the Ministers of the Grospel in
England by our Prelates, are unlawful; and, therefore, that the
Ministers of the Gospel, for the bare and sole omission of them in
GhorcllHBervice, for conscience sake, are most unjustly charged of
Disloyalty to his Majesty, 1606. — 4. A Protestation of the King's
Supremacy, made in the name of the Afflicted Ministers, and opposed
to the shameful Calumniations of the Prelates, 1606.-^5. A Propo-
sition concerhing Kneeling in the very Act of Receiving, 1606. — 6. A
ihort Tireatise of the Cross in Baptism,— 7. A Consideration of
• Clark's Lives, p. 51, 60. t Ibid. p. 69.
9rO LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
cierUiii Potitioiis ArcbiepiscopaL — 8. A Preparation to the ImM
Supper.—^. A Marriage Feaat — 10. A Meditation on Map's Mor*
tality. — 11. Sermons on the second Epistle to the Tbesaalonians^—
12. A Treatise of Christian Reproof.^13. A Treatise of the Sii
against the Holy Ghost — 14. A Twofold Catechism. — 16. An Answer
to Mr. G. Powel. — 16. A Defence of the fiaptism of InflurtSr-*
17. llie Unreasonableness of Separation.
Mr. Jenkin was son to a gentleman of oonsiderabk
estate at Folkstone in Kent, and educated in the uiiiTenitj
of Cambridge, with a view to some considerable piefermcfli
in the church. Being here cast under the ministry of tht
celebrated Mr. William Perkins, be soon became imprmad
with ffreat seriousness, and embarked with the pliritaBL
His mther discovering this upon his return bomei aad
disliking that sort of people, was pleased to disiiilierit lam
of the greatest part of his estate. Thus younff Jenkin !»u
called to bear the yoke in his youth, ana to forsake fttfa^t
and mother, houses and land, for his attachment to Chriit
and his cause. He trusted in the Lord, and found Jiim.tli
be a constant iiriend. When he found his compaoy dia*
agreeable to his father, he removed to the house m Mr#
luchard Rogers, the old puritan minister of Wethenfiddii
Essex, where he diligently prosecuted his studies. Enteruf
afterwards iipon the ministerial function, he settled M
Sudbury in Suffolk. In this situation he was laborious ii
preaching and catechising; and while he was ^ignaSLf
usdful to many, he adomS the whole by a conespondhiji
holy conversation. After his settlement at this placa^ hs
married the grand-daughter of Mr. John Rogers, the fioofW
Jrotomartyr. Mr. Jenkin died about the year 1618.* Mr.
ohn Wilson, another celebrated puritan, was his fluooesn^
at Sudbury ; and Mr. William Jenkin, the ejected nooocfr
formist, was his son.t
Samuel Hieron. — This Excellent divine was the Mirf
a most worthy minister, who, being much respected I^ tht
fiunous Mr. John Fox, was persuaded to lay aside *f*w^«"g
school, and enter upon the christian ministry. He Ubomn
in the sacred office many years at £pping in Essex, wi^
God was pleased greatly to bless his endeavours. TUa Ul
son was educated first by his fi^er, then at Kiog^a 8obNil|i
• Calamy's Accoont, ¥01. ii. p. IT.
f iVamer's Noocod. Mem. toI. i. p. 108; . :
JENKlN— HIERON. !^*^
[|«sur Windsor, and afterwards at King^s college, Cambridge,
ivliere he made, amazing progress in the yarioos branches of
Sleratwe. One of his name united with many others of
[Ifrinity college, in their invitation to Lord Barleigh, in
Ifi95, to accept the office of treasurer of the college ; bnt it
Sees not appear with certainty whether this was the same
person.*
He entered Upon his public ministry, and gained, at the
1^ of twenty-four years, a distin^ubhed reputation, and
ima greatly admired and followed. Haying finished his
Aodi^ at the uniyersity, he was presented by Sir Henry
Bftyile to the yicarage of Modbury in Devonshire, where he
toHtinued' the temainder of his days, the Lord greatly
Heflsing his labours. Here he was reverenced by the poor,
idmired by the rich, countenanced by the great, and re«
■pected by all.f
«- Mr. Hieron was a celebrated divine, and a most noted
Mffilan. He wrote several excellent pieces in defence of
mconfiirmity, though they were never collected and pub*
idled with his other works. One of them is entitled, ^< A
itort Dialogue proving that the Ceremonies and some other
QHmptions now in question, are defended by no other
Al]mments than such as the Papists have heretofore used,
flM our Protestant Writers have long since Answered ;
Mieieanto are annexed certain Considerations why the
Ministers should not be moved by the Subscription and
Oeiemonies," 1605. He was also the anonymous author of
iiibtiier piece, entitled, <^ A Defence of the Ministers^ Rea*
Mis for refusal of Subscription to the Book of Common
Iteyer, and of Contbrmity, in Answer to Mr. T. Hutton,
Ihr. W. Covel, and Dr. T. Sparke," 1607. This work was
^Mttted in Holland, and sent over packed up with the goodn^
flTdne Mr. T. Sheveril, an eminent merchant of Plymouth;
tmt, as no bookseller durst sell it, on account of the severity
of the times, the whole impression was given away. Some
of the copies were sent to the persecuting bishops, some to
Inb antagonists, and some to the universities ; but the author
iVItt never discovered to his enemies, or to the collectors of
ijte works. Thus Mr. Hieron was deeply engaged in the
lie controversies of the day, though unknown to 'bis
ents. There was also, « The Second Rirt of the
of the Ministers' Reasons," 1608 ; and " The Third
ctf* the Shime," 1608; but I am not sure, says^ mj
« Baker't MS. QoUec. toI. if. p. 50.
S78 LIVES OF THE t^URITANS.
author, Tphether Mr. Hicron was the author of them.* |le
was particularly intimate with some of the most celebni&l
Suritans, especially Dr. Lawrence Chadderton^ to whom he
edicated some of his works.
Though Mr. Hieron was a minister of most eminent fnetf
and usefulness ; yet, during the greatest part of his bJA.
sickness, which continued about a month, his mind waft
under a cloud, and very uncomfortable. For the most part,
he remained altogether silent, oftentimes not answering any
question tiiat was proposed to him, and sometimeB he wq^
most bitterly. A brother minister addressing him, with a.
view to administer comfort to his troubled mind, he saidy
<< There is a great mist betwixt rae and the happiness I have
looked after. I have judged partially of my own state, and
thought better of myself* than I deserved. He could not
then be prevailed upon to speak any more.
About four days before he died, he began to revive and
speak in a more comfortable strain, declaring his gmt
peace and abundant consolation. To a friend who asked
nim how he did, he said, '^ A very weak man.*' When it
was recommended that, though he was weak in body, he
should labour to be strong in the spirit, he replied. ^' I
thank God, I have labour^ and do labour, and I find my
labour is not in vain. I have many tilings to speak ihiut
way, but now I want a tongue to utter them ; vet something
I must speak : I would not have it thought that my deatS
is hopeless; for though I have lain all this time silent, ai
you have seen, yet my thoughts have been engaged about
matters of great consequence ; and now, I thank my God,
my soul is full of comfort I do verily believe ] shall see
the light of the Lord, in the land of the living. But what
am I, or what is my father's house, that God should deal so
graciously with my soul ? He hath called me unto a state
of grace ; fitted me in my education for the ministry of.ttjB
word; brought me in his appointed time to the pradioe
thereof; given me some reputation in it ; and blened my
labours in some measure unto his people. He hath n^
dealt thus with every one ; no not of his own chosen. I
speak not boastingly, but comfortably ; not to extol mysdj^
but to magnify the goodness of my God. I know whom 1
have professed, whom 1 have preached, whom I have
believed, and now I see heaven open to receive me. I am
freed from all care, except for my people. I wish, if God
• MS. Acconnt of Mr. Hicrwi.
6. 6IFF0RD. S73
were so pleased, that nothing I have taught them may
prove thesavour of death unto death to any of them. But
mjr own sin hath been the cause that I have seen no more
fruit of my labour in their conversion; yet, it may be,
another may come after me, and, as the apostle says of
bimseli^ reap that which I have sown. I confess that, in
public, I have been somewhat full in reproof, in admonition,
m instruction ; but in private my backwardness, my bash-
fulness, my dastardliness, hath been intolerable ; and I may
truly say, that if any thing lies as a burden on my con-
science, it is this, out I praise my God, I know upon
ivhose shoulders to cast it, with the rest of my transgres-
sions." Many other things, in the same comfortable strain^
lie spoke previous to his departure. He died in the year
1618; for his funerd sermon was published that year, though
it does not contain the least account of the deceased. It is
entitled, " Hieron's last Farewell ; a Sermon preached at
Modbuiy in Devon, at the Funeral of the Reverend and
Faithful Servant of Christ, Master Samuel Hieron, some-
tunes .preacher there, by J. B.," 1618.
j^nller, who has classed Mr. Hieron among the eminent
.men and learned writers of King's college, Cambridge^
styles him " a powerful preacher in his printed works."*
±ne learned and pious Bishop Wilkins has given an
honourable testimony of the excellency of his sermons.f
His works, consisting of sermons and other pieces, were
collected and published after his death, entitled, << The
Works of Mr. Sam. Hieron, late Pastor of Modbuiy in
Devon,'' in two volumes, folio, in 162^1. A divine of the
same name, who was ejected in 1662, was his grandson.]:
George Gifforo, A. M. — This excellent divine was
educated in Hart-hall, Oxford, where he continued some
years. In the year 1582, he became vicar of Maldon in
£8sez.V The Oxford historian denominates him <^ a
Teiy noted preacher, a man admirably well versed in
die various branches of good literature, and a great
enemy to popery. "| Mr. Strype says, ^^ he was a great
Md diligent preacher, and much esteemed by many
• FaUer't Hist, of Cam. p. 76.
•f WUkiM on Preaching, p. 8S.
• -^ Pkhaer't HoBcoB. JUfm. ¥ol. ii« p. 38.
4 Kew€oart*t Repert. Eccl. ¥ol. ii. p. S96. 4
f Wood*t AtheaoB Ozon. vol. i. p. 3S7« ^
▼OL. II. T
974 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
penons oF rank. By his labours he broaght Ae town to
much more sobriety and knowledge of tnie fdifficm.*'*
Though he was a decided puritan, and scni|>led conrormiCjr
in yanoils particukirs, he wrote with grtst zeU against tat
Brownisls, and in defence of the church, fiat atl tlEei^
things were mere trifles, so long as he did not acfiAire t&^
ceremonies, nor come up to the standard of cOtafonmtj ^
Suired by tlie prelates. Thrrefofe, having prcsafcfc^d tike
octrine of limited obedience to the civil itu^^trate^ CMft*
plaiiits were brought against him, and he wa)? lAiAiMii' ~
suspended and cast into prison. This was in thib feOt ll
About the same time, this learned dfivlrffe, Mid d
ministers of Essex, to the ndmber of tweift^^fteven, pit^
rented a supplication to the lords of the cMaicfij extimfy
eliciting a redress of their grievances; though it cbMnn
appear with what degree ofsuccess.
The ministers who subscribed this sttppficaiidfi VMJ
highly celebrated for learning, piety, and usdulneM. ftU^
of whom were already suspended for nobcohforiiiity. Ut
the supplication thev express themselves as follows: ^ We
cheerfully and boldly offer this our humbte iMi( onto ytmr
honours, being our only sanctuary upon eattfi, Aeitt io lltt
inajesty, to which we can repair in our present ncJoeAdtjr:
and most of all we ette encouraged, when we congid^nr ii&k
richly God hath adorned your honours -^iih ktiM^J£d|g&
wisdom, and zeal for the gospel, and T^th godly ttat iaii
tender love to those who protess the same. Most Ktiltihly*
therefore, we beseech your honours, with yoiif acduMtttned
fiivour in all godly and just causes, to hedr and to jddge 0f
our matters. \Ve liave received the chaijge c^ her im^esty'tf
loyal and faithful subjects, to instruct and teach our people .
in the way of life ; and every one of ust having this soonded
from the God of heaven, Iroe be unto mcj iffpredchtiotthe
gospel, t^e have all endeavoured to discharge oar duties,
anci to approve ourselves both to Grod and men* NotiHth*
standing this, we are in ^eat heaviness, and some tt aft
already put to silence, and the rest living iii fbat ; liot tt^
we have been, or can be charged, We hope, with fitittb ddC^
trine, or slanderous life ; but because we rdfiise to Mjibtetiltf
< that there is nothing contained in tiie Bdok of CotahiMH
Prayer contrary to the word of Grod.^ We do protest in
the sight of Grod, who searcheth all hearts, that ^ ddid
refuse from a desire to dissent, or from any sinister a&eiMn;
• Strype'i Aylmer, p. 110.
G; GIFFORD. 1876.
but in the fear of God, and from the necessity of conscien^
The. apostle teacheth, that a person who donbteth is con*
demn^ if he eat. If a man then be condemned for doing a
lawful action, because he doubts whether it be lawful; how
much more should we incur the displeasure of the Lord, and
justly deserve his wraih, if we should subscribe, being fully
persuaded that there are some things in the book contrary
to his ivord 1 If our reasons might be so answered by the
doctrine of the Bible, and we could be persuaded that we
might subscribe lawfully, and in the fear of God, we would
wifiingly consent. In those and other respects we humbly
craye your honourable protection, as those who from ti^
lieart do entirely love, honour, and obey her excellei^
majesty and your honours, in the Lord. Giving moi^
hearty thanks to God for all the blessings we have received
from him, by your government, constantly praying, night
and day, that he willbless and preserve her majesty and
your honours to eternal salvation. Your honours' poor
and humble supplicants,
*^ George Qifford, Samuel Cotesford,
Richard Rogers, Richard Illison,
Nicholas Colpotts, William Serdge,
liAw^ANCE Newman, Edmund Barker,
William DfKE, Richard Black well.
Thomas Chaplain, Thomas Howell,
Arthur Dent, Mark Wirsdale,
Thomas Redrich, Robbrt Edmonds,
Giles Whiting, Augustine Pigot,
Ralph Hawden, Camillus Rusticus,
Je^fert Jesselin, John Huckle,
Thomas Upche, Thomas Cauew,
Roger Carr, John Bishop."*
John Wilton,
When Mr. Gifford was brouj^ht to trial before the high,
commission, his enemies utterly failed in their evidence, and
he was accordingly released. This, however, was not the
mid of bis troubles. He did not long enjoy his liberty.
Bidlop Aylmer appointed spies to watch him, and fresh
complaints were soon brought against him on account of his
nonconformity ; when he was again suspended and cast into
inrisoo.f Upon this he made application to the lord
treasurer, who endeavoured to obtain the favour of the '
• MS. Resiiter^ p. 330.
f 8trype*t Whitgift, p. 158.— NeaFt ParitaDs, yel. i. p. 379.
J76 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
archbishop ; but his grace having consulted, his brother of
London, told the treasurer that he was a ringleader of the
nonconformists; that he himself had received complaiirti
against him, and was determined to bring him before the
high commission.*
Mr. Gifford had many friends, and was much beloved
by his numerous hearers. The parishioners of MaldoD,
therefore, presented a petition to the bishop, in behalf a
their minister, signed by jifly'lvM) persons, two of whom
were bailiffs of the town, two justices of the peace, fbnr
aldermen, fifteen head burgesses, and other respectable
people. In this petition, they shewed that his fonner
accusations had been proved to be false ; that the present
charges were only the slanderous accusations of wicked
men, who sought to injure his reputation and usefulness;
that they themselves and a i^reat part (^ the town had
derived the greatest benefit from his ministry; that Us
doctrine was always sound and good; that in all Ur
preaching and catechising he taught obedience to magis-
trates; that he used no conventicles ; and that his life was
modest, discreet, and unreprovable. For these reasons
they eamestiv entreated his grace to restore him to his
ministry.f Lideed, the distresses of the people in Enex
were at this time so great, that the inhabitants of Maldon
and the surrounding country presented a petition to parlia-
ment for the removal of present grievances. In this peti-
tion, now before me, they complain, in most affecting lan-
giiage, that nearly all their learned and useful ministers
were forbidden to preach, or deprived of their livings ; and
that ignorant and wicked ministers were put in their
places.;
These endeavours proved ineffectual. Mr. Gifford did
not enjoy his liberty for several years, as appears fnim a
supplication of several of the suspended ministers in Essex,
presented to parliament, dated March 8, 1587, when he was
still under the episcopal censure. It will be proper to give
the substance of it in their own words : << In most hnmUe
and reverent duty to this high and honourable court ol
Jarliament, sundry of the ministers and preachers of Gtod'i
oly word in the county of Essex, present this our earnest
supplication, and lamentable complaint, beseeching yoi
upon our knees for the Lord's sake, and the sake of hii.
i
• Strype's Whit^rift, p. ]52.
+ Strype'i Aylincr, p. Ul, 112.
t MS. Rei^ister, p. 748.
6. QIFFORD. S77
« people, whose salvation it conceraeth, to bow down a
; ^acious ear to this our most dutiful suit, and to take such
order as to your godly wisdom shall be thought most con-
Tenient. Your humble suppliants haying, by the good-
. Bess of God, conducted themselves at all times, both in their
\ doctrine and life, as becometh their vocation, they submit
themselves to any trial and punishment, if it should be found
^citherwise. Notwithstanding this, they have been a long
. time, and still are, grievously troubled and molested ; of
• which troubles this is one of the heaviest, that we are
•.Jhindered from the service of God in our public ministry.
:To this restraint we have hitherto yielded and kept silence.
4. .*^ We hoped, from the equity of our cause, the means
that have been used, and the necessities of our people, that
our suspension would have been taken off by those whose
. erasure lieth upon us : but they neither restored us to our
ministry, nor furnished the people with suitable persons to
supply our places. We and our people have been humble
.suitors to them, desiring that we might be restored to our
-former service and usefulness among them; and, notwith-
standing our cause hath been recommended to them by
'9ome of the chief nobility in the land, even of her majesty's
. Jbonou'rable privy council, we have obtained no relief for
, cmmelves, nor comfort for our distressed people. Therefore,
to appear before this high and honourable court of parlia-
ment, is the only means left unto us ; that if there be in us
no desert of so heavy a sentence, it may please this high
. <x>urt to take such order.for the relief of your most humble
^ suppliants as to your godly wijsdom shall be thought
convenient.
' " We, indeed, acknowledge that divers caused of our re-
.straint are alleged against us; but our earnest desire is,
that this high court would by some means be informed of
• this weighty matter. The chief of them is pur refusing to
subscril^ to certain articles relating to the present policy of
the church, that every word and ceremony appointed to be
ijiead and used in the Book of Common Prayer, is according
.to the word of God. We declared that we could not, with
*» good conscience, subscribe to all that was required of us ;
and we humbly requested to have our doubts removed, and
to be satisfied in the things required ; but we have not re-
.iceived one word of answer to this day ; and their former
rigorous proceedings have not in the least been mitigated.
" We humbly pray this high court to be assured of our
dutiful obedience to all lawful authority, unto which, as
278
LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
tbe ordinance of God, and for conscience snke, with all oar
hearts, we promiMC and protest (Mir 8ul>mi«»ion. Wencek
unfo you to obtain some relief for us. And we commit oirr
lives and wh'>le e.st;it(^ in Almighty God, to your graeiou
clemency, and to the c irr of her right ifxrellent majeHtj,
ceasing not, day and night, to pray that the blessings of
grace and giory may rest upon yon for ever."*
This supplication was signed by Messrs. (/eorgc Giffofd|
Ralph Hawden, William Tunstall, John Huckle, Gilfli
Whiting, and Roger Carr ; l)ut whether it proved of aiijr
advantage, is extremely doubtful. Most probably thty
continued much longer under suspension. Mr. Giflbrd
BubscriF)ed the " B(Kik of Disciplme.'V He lived to i
good old age, and died about the year 1690.
His Works, — 1. Conntry Divinity^ containing a Disooone of
eertain points of Religion among the Common sort of Cbristiuis, vltli
a plain Confutation thereof, 1681. — '2. A Sermon on tbe Panible of
the Sower, 1681. — 3. A Dialogue between a Papist and a PriHo^
anty applied to the caparJty of the Unlearned, 1683.— 4. Agiioit tlw
Priesthood and saeriflce of tlie (/burcli of Rome, wherein ymi'M^
perceive their Impiety in usurping that Ofiice and Action wbicb etcr
appertaineth to Christ onl^, 1584. — 6. A Sermon on 2 Pet i \U
1684. — 0. A CatechiHm, givnig a moftt excellent light to thoie tint
seek to enter tbe Path-way to Salvation, 1680. — 7. A SernNNi €Q
Jam. ii. 14 — 30., ]68fl.-*8. A Difteoiirfie of tbe Mihtile Praeticct of
Ueviln by Witf^hcs and SoreererN, 1687. — 9. Sermons on tbe fint
four Cbaptern and part of the fifth (/hapterof I'^cleiiiajites, 1580.^
in. A fihort TreafiMC against the DonutijitH of f^^ngland, whom wecill
BrowniMii, wherein, by Aniiwcr unto their AVritingH, their llere»ifi
are noted, 1690. — 11. A Plain Declaration that our l>rownbits be full
DonatiHtH, by comparing them togethfrr from point to point out of
the Writings of AugUHtIn, l.'iOI.— 12. A Reply to Mr. Job. Green-
wrK)d and lien. Jitirrow, toiKthing read Prn>er, wherrin tbeir grotf
Ignorance in detected, 1691. — l.'l. A Sernir»n at Panl's (/rm», od
Psalm cxxxiii., I.'jOI. — 14. A Diiilogiie eoneerntng Witcheo uA
WiteheraftA; iu which in laid open how craftily the Devil decetTOtb
not only tbe Witchcu, but otbcrK, 1,'VJ>3.— I.O. A Treatiae of irac
I'ortitudr, 1694. — 10. A (*ommcnt»ry or Scrnionn on tbe whole
Book ot Revclatiomi, 1690.— 17. Two Scrmonn on 1 Pet. v. 8,9., \^
—18. I our Scimons upon Kcveral parlii of Scripture, 1608.— 19. An
£xp<jMition on the (/unticlcN, 1012.-* 20. I ive Sermons on tbe Soo^
of Solomon, 1020.— 21. An iCnglinb 'iranslation of Dr. Fulke'sPrO'
lections on tbe ifoly Revelations.
• M8. Ragiitf r, p. 818-8S0* f Neal*! Fartteas, vol. i. p. 4£9'
Ji^EMJAH Dyke, A. M. was younger brother to the
^c;elebrfited Mr. Daniel Dyke^ and educated in Sidaej
jCCfU^ge^ Cambridge. He was beneQced at ^Epping in jElssex^
^here he entered upon his pastoral charge, in the year
ji^P.* He was a person of a cheerf^u spirit, jichly
Jli^misbed with divine grace, and eminently uset'fil ,in ^^lip
ministry. He was a divine of great peace and moderation,
fffyi is ^aid f o ,have been no jzealot for the ceremonies, but
4p have qu^e^y subqiitted to the ^se .of them. Tjiis he
j^rtainly did, for the sake of peace, so f^ as he could do it
^rith fi .good co(iscience. But he ^as a thorough puritan^
jpd/disa^ted to the ceremonies. He died a pious death^
$iBLj8 qur author, in the year 1620, when his remains were
interred in his own churcb.f A minister of the same nan^e
jbecapae vic^r of Stansted- Abbots in Middlesex, in 1^0;
ibot resigned it previous to April 23, 1644 ; and ^he became
jp^otor ^ .Qjceat Parndofi in £s^;c, in 1645. ,B^t if the
fbpye jaccouut of Mr. Dyke's death be correct, this. must
. j^e :b^n .pother person. t Mr. Dyke published the
j^QB^hmnous wo^ks, of his, brother, and |¥as himself author qf
HP^ei^ exqeUent books, ^e is classed ampng the le^m^
jqitm of Sidney college, Cambridge;^ and a high encp-
JKiiapi is ,pl^»ed upon his sermpns,|| ^e was author, (^ a
jpryaik ,Qn the ^prd's supper, entitled, « The Worthy
lp(H9>pupicai|t.'- Mr. Darnel Dyke, the sile^cpd npncon*
^^[^ipi^.inl^S, M[as his,son.i
•
THOiMAs tl£i(wissE. — .This ^zealous puritan was a man
ippips^ss^ pf^ood natural parts, and some acquired endow
.inents, though it does npt appear whether he received any
^Hpiyeisity education. He was a member of the ancient
church of separatists, founded in the beginning of the reign
f of Queen EUssabeth ; and lyas peculiarly serviceable to those
.people when, to escape the oppressions of the times, they
^ .fled to HoII^mI. There,he was. esteemed a man of eminent
•fidth and charity, possessing excellent spiritual gifts. When
• Mr. John Smyth raised the pontroversy about baptism,
•Mr. H^^wisse became one pf his disciples, received baptism
f fcom him^bfy imn^ersion, apd is s^id to haye be^ ej^commu*
♦ Newcoart*8 Repert. EccI.toI. ii. p, 248.
f FuUer's Worthien, part. ii. p. 89.
± Newcoart*8.Repeit. £ccl. r^l. i. p. 890. ii. p. 46S.
S Foner*t Hist, of Camb. p. 164.
I Wilkins*! Discourse on Preachiog, p. 82.
1 Palm^*i Noocoo. Mem. Yol. ii. p. 304.
S90 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
nicated by the contrary party. He vfas one of the find ia
the constitution of the church to which. Mr. Smyth wai
chosen pastor ; and, upon Mr. Smyth's death, he ivaschosea
to the piistoral office. Thou;;h he did not go forwardi
vith an equal degree of cointort and 6ucc<*ss as Mr. Smytk
had done, it lYas acknowledged that his preaching and
writings promoted the cause he ( spoused.
The chief (vpposcrs of Mr. Helwisse and his chaidi|
according to Crosby, w(»re the Brownists, from whom fhf*y
had serrated. These persons, haviuii^ incorrect notions v
religious liberty, wrote a(>:ainst them with too much warmthi
calling them heretics, anabaptists, &c. ; yet made seveial
concessions in their fayour,clearing them oft hose extrayaeiliit
opinions which distinguished the old anabaptists. Thef
acknowledged, that Mr. Helwisse and his people disclaimra
the doctrine of free-will; that, though they exchidM
infants from baptism, they believed in infant safoaiion ; and
that they even agreed with their opponents in the great traths
of the gospel. And with respect to their morals, as im
author adds, they confessed that they had attained to some
d^ree of knowledge and godliness ; that they had a m1
of God, though, in their opinion, not according to know-
ledge ; and that when they found any person of their oom*
munion guilty of sin, they proceeded to censure him.
People ofwhom these things could, with truth, be said, oisglA
not to have received any unkind usage from their hretlmn,
though they differed from them about baptism, or some
other subordinate points. It is extremely probable, how-
ever, tliere was fault on both sides ; and if each paify
had been less influenced by a spirit of intolerance, and
more by a spirit of forbearance, their history would bare
appeared no less honourable in the eye of a discerning
posterity.
Upon Mr. Smyth's death, Mr. Helwisse and. his people
published a confession of their faith, entitled, *^ A Declara-
tion of Faith of the English People remaining at ^4 raster-
dam in Holland."* . Mr. John Robinson, pastor to the
' English church at Leyden, published some remarks upon
it. AlK)ut the same time, Mr. Helwisse began to reflect
upon himself and his brethren for deserting their country on
account of persecution. He resolv*^, therefore, to r^bun
home, that he might share the same lot with that of lus
brethren who had continued to endure the storm, fieiiig
* Crosby's HUt. of Baptists, yoU iU Apptn. p.
. HELWISSE. 281
accompanied by the greater part of his congregation, ho
Returned to England, and settled in Ldndon, where thev
gained many proselytes, and became^ as it is conjectured^
the first 6Ei<rERAL Baptist society in England. However,
to justify their conduct in returning' home, Mr. Helwisse
'pttblishra ^' A Short, Declaration,'' in which he stated in
^hat cases it was lawful to flee in times of persecution. To
'this, also, Mr. Robinson published a reply.
In the year I6I5, Mr. Helwisse and his church in
London, published a treatise, entitled, ^< Persecution for
Religion, Judged and Condemned." Though there was no
'nanie prefixed to it, they were certainly its authors.* In
this work, besides defending their own opinions as baptists,
and attempting to clear themselves of several false charges,
they endeavour to expose the evil of persecution. They*
maintain, that every man has an equal ri^ht to judge for
himself in all matters of religion ; and that to persecute
any person, on account of his religion, is illegal, and anti-
christian. They acknowledge that civil magistrates are of
"divine appointment ; and that kings, and such as are in
authority, ought to be obeyed in all civil matters. But that
f^inst which they chiefly protest, is the pride, luxury, and
<^pression of the lordly bishops, and their pretended
q>iritual power, by which many were exposed to confisca-
tion of goods, long and painful imprisonment, hungering,
burning, and banishment. ^' It is no small persecution/*
say they, " to lie many years in filthy prisons, in hunger,
cold, idleness, divided from wife, family a^d calling, ana
left in continual miseries and temptations : so that death to
many would be less persecution.f How many, only for
seeking reformation in religion, have been put to death by
you r power (meaning the bi^ops) in the days of Queen
Elizabeth ? And how many have been consumed to death
in prisons ? Hath not hungering, burning, exile, imprison-
ments, and all kinds of contempt been used ? It is most
' grievous cruelty to lie several years in most noisome and
• Crosb^^B Hist, of Baptists, vol. i. p. 269— «TS.
* f Bishop Warbiirton's opinion of persecution is very singular. *^ The
• ezactini^ conformity of the ministry by the goTernors of the cliurch/'
. ffiys he, '^ is no persecution.** This is certainly a strange sentiment to
> come from the pen of a protestant prelate. Admitting this principle, there
' "Was no persecution in the reign of Queen Mary. It was no persecution,
when the Jewish sanhedrim agreed, ** That if any man /did confess that
Jesus was the Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.** It was no
persecution, when the parliament imposed the Scot*t coTCoant.—- Ais«r«
PiirtfMs, tioa.' i. p; 919/
£82 LIVES OF TIIE PUAITANS.
jiltby prisons, and continual temptations, hw^g wnivoi
in their estates, and many of them nevcur coming outtiil
ideatli.'**
Tills was a bold protestation against the illeggj wi
iniquitous procoedin^s of the vuiing prelates, and a OOU0
'Stand in defence of rdigious liberty. For making .the. abovo
generous -principles the foundation of their practiw, their
were grievously harassed in the ecclesiastical.courta; yAm
their goods were seized, and they were many years confined
in loathsome jails, being deprived of their wives, .cbildm
«nd friends, till the Lord was pleiised to release .aome of
4hem by death. Mr. Helwisse had his sbaie jn'.the»
^barbarous oppressions. Being a leading person {unoDg tbe
jionconformists of the baptist persuasion, he felt the.inhuQiai
cruelties of the spiritual rulers, but wont fcxwaidii, b$ he
had opportunity, with courage and success. Mt died molt
probably about the year 16S0.t
Thomas Wilson. — This learned and piousidiniie irv
many yea.rs minister of St. Greorge's church, CantortiQiy,
one of the six preachers in that city, chaplain .'to Loid
Wotton, and a man of high reputation. Hewaa a penoD
deservedly famous in his time, preaching regnlaiiy three
times, and occasionally every day, in the week. He was a
hard student, endowed with a healthy constitution and a
'Strong memory. As his gifts were more than ordinaiy, so
were his trials. He had to contend with open eo^es,
false teachers, and notorious heretics, against .whom he
boldly ()efended the truth, detecting and refuting their erran,
He was troubled with certain false brethren, who secretly
endeavoured to promote his ruin ; but the Lord delivered
him out of their hands. He was once complained of to
Archbishop Abbot, for nonconformity ; but, throu^ the
kind intt^rference and endeavours of Lord Wotton, he
escaped the snare. He used to say, ^ That so long as
idolatry is publicly tolerated in the land, public judgments
will not cease.*' Ilis great concern f(Nr tne nyeUare of bis
flock was manifest by his frequent preaching, expounding,
and catechising, for a great number of years. ^ik>r was he
.unmindful of them on his death-bed. With his dying
breath, he charged Dr. Jackson, his chief patron, as be
would answer the same at the bar of God, that he wooM
» Cro8by*8 Baptiits, i^ol. i. p. 126, 127. i VM.jf. iM-r9l^
T.WILSON. SBS
provide for tbem an able and a sufficient pastor. This
the Jioetor promised to do; but added, ^< that not one
vf u thousand could be found, like this worthy servant of
Christ.''*
Mn Swift, who preached Mr. Wilson's funeral semnm^
gives the following account of him: ^^ He was a most
painful and careful pastor ; a man called forth into the
▼inej^rd of the Lord, and well qualified for so ^eat a work.
He was a judicious divine, sound in the truth, and an
^M:cell6nt interpreter of scripture; a professed enemy to
idolatry, superstition, and all false worship ; for which he
incurri^ the displeasure of those who were otherwine
disposed. He was richly furnished with excellent gifts,
which he fally employed in the Lord's work, bein^ in-
^oessanfly laborious and faithftd in his public muuistry.
Having received ten talents, he employed them all to the
use of his Master. He preached at Canterbury thirty-siK
years, during the whole of which period he was always
abounding in the work of the Lord. Being requested, upon
his death-bed, to spare himself in future, irthe Lord should
be pleased to raise him up, he immediately replied, ^ Were
I in health of body, I should always say with the apostle.
Woe be unto me^ if I preach not the gospeV He was
particularly mindful of his flock to the last ; and with his
dying breath prayed that God would provide for them a
faithful shepherd, to feed them with k:nowledge and under-
standing."f He died in January, 162L
His Works. — 1. A Commentary on Romans, 1614.t — 2. Christ%
Farewell to Jerasalem, 1614. — 3. ITieological Rules, 1615. — 4. Holy
Riddles, 1615.—^. A Complete Christian Dictionary, with the Con-
tinuation by Bagwell and Symson, sixth edition, I655.§-— 6. ▲
Dialogue about Justification. — 7. A Receipt against Heresie.
• Christian Dictionary, Pref. Edit. 1655.
f Funeral Sermon for Mr. Wilson.
X This work, which is in the form of a dialogue, abounds with jadiciovs
'4isttacti6ns, and practical uses. — Williams's Christian Preacher ^ p. 436.
§ This worlc is said to have been the first that was ever composed ia
"Eoglbb, by way of concordance. — Granger's Miog, UisU vol. i. p. SW.
S8i LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
AifDREw WiLLCT, D. D. — ^This leained and bborini
divine was bora in the city of Ely, in the year 1568^ jui
educated tint in Peter-house, then in Qiiiit*8 ocdkM
Camhridee. He was blessed with pious parents, m
brought him up in the nurture and admonition of the LariL
His rather, Mr. Thomas Wilkt, was sub-ahnoner to Ki^g
Edward VI., and a painhd sufferer during the cruel pene-
. cut ions of Queen Mary. In the reign of Queen Eligahfth, he
became rector of Bark^y in Hertfordshire, and was prefiarrad
to a prt4)(*nd in the church of Ely. His son Andrew, while
a boy at school, discovered an uncommon genius, and
made extraordinary progress in the various rudiments of
knowledge. He was so intense in his application, thailrii
pnrents were obliged to use various methods to divert hii
attention frcHn his books. At the age of fourteen, he was
sent to the university, where he was soon preferred ts a:
fellowship. Here he became intimate witb Downhao,
Perkins, and other cdebrated puritans, who encopraged
each other in their studies. WiUet soon distingQisbed
himself by his exact acquaintance with the languages^ the
arts, and all the branches of useful literature. He wai
concerned not to have these things to learn, when he caipe
forth to teach others; wisely judging that youth. shoold
prepare that which riper years must use. Among the
anecdotes related of him while at Cambridge, shewing the
promising greatness of his abilities, is the following :— -^ The
proctor of the college being prevented, by some unforeseqp
occurrence, from executing his office at the commencement,
Just at hand, none could be found to take hi$ place excepting
AVillet, who acquitted himself so well, that his orations
gained him the approbation and applause of the imivenitj,
and the high admiration of all who knew how short a time
he had for preparation."* In the year 1586, he united
with the master and fellows of Christ's collie, in
defence of themselves against the accusations oi their
enemies, in which they acquitted themselves with great
honour.f .
Having spent thirteen years at the university, he caiiie
forth richly fraught \yith wisdom and knowledge. On the
death of his father, the queen prrscmted him to the lectoit
of Barley, and gave him his father's prebend in the chufcn
* Bark»da1e*8 Remembrancer, p. 5S — 58.
i Baker't MS. CoUec. vol. iv. p. 79.
willet; MS
ef Ely. Jle ^tered npon his charge at Badejr^ January
JH^ 1598.«. Though he is said to have sought no other'
Eeferment, one oi his name became rector of Reed in
iddlesex, jn the year 16 IS ; and rector of Chishall-Parva
bk Essex, in IGSO.t We cannot, however, learn whether
tkis was the same person. He studied to deserve prefer-
ts, rather than to obtain them. His own observation
, that some enjoj/ promotions, while others merit them.
He always abounded in the work of the Lord, and ac-
counted me work in which he was engaged as part of his
wages. About the time that he entered the ministerial
work, he married a near relation to Dr. Goad, by whom he
hftd eleven.sons and seven daughters.
Dr. Willet was a man of uncommon reading, having-
ffigested the fathers, councils, ecclesiastical histories, the
otvil and canon law, and numerous writers of ahnost all
descriptions. Indeed, he read so much, and understood
and retained what he had read so well, that he was deno-
nmiated a living library. To secure this hiffh attainment,
!» was extremely provident of his time. He constantly
mse at a very early hour, by which means he is said to
liave got half way on his journey before others set out. He
ivas laborious in the numerous duties of his ministry ; and
ke greatly lamented the condition of those who. sat under
idle and ignorant ministers. He also often lamented the
•bUe of the prelates of those. times, who, after obtaining
rich livings, thqugh they were men of talents and learning,
woidd not stoop to labour for the welfare of souls. But he^
as a faithful steward of Christ, constantly preached three
times a week, and catechised both old and young throughout
bis parish. And though he was a man of most profound
learning, had been some time chaplain to Prince Henry,
and had frequently ^preached at court, his sermons and
catechetical instructions were dressed in so plain and
familiar a style, that persons of the weakest capacity might
easily understand him.;^ He esteemed those the best dis-
courses which were best adapted to the condition of the
people, and most owned of God: not those which were
most dec(H*ated with human ornaments, and most admired*
ainong men. Though he could administer all ne<^ful
reproof and warning to the careless and the obstinate ; yet
his great talent was to Und tip the broken-hearted, and
comfort the weary, fainting pilgrim.
• Newcourt's Repert. Ecd. toI. i. p. 8U0^ f Ibid. p. 862. If. p. 161,
t FnUtr't Abel RedivlTiiii p. 569.
LIVES OP THE PURITANS.
His external deportment^ at home and abroad, Vfad mA
as became bis profession. He livedj as wdl as preachd^
the gospel* His house was the model erf* a little chonh
and house of Grod; where morning and evening sacn-
fices were daily offered unto God. He had laws and
ordinances set up in his house, directing all the membenof
his numerous family to the observance of their lespedhe
duties ; and be was a pattern to them ail in ^11 things. Hii
humility and beneyolencc were two of the brightest jeweb
in his crown. Though he had a numerous family of chit
dren, he did not consider that a sufficient reason ftr
abridging his constant and extensive liberality. Qa
the contrary, he was of the same mind as one of the firthen^
who said, <^ The more children, the more charity.'* And it
is said of Dr. Willet, that his substance increased with
his liberality.* Many poor ministers tasted the sweetness sf
his bounty.
Dr. Willet obtained a great degree of celebrity by the
numerous and valuable productions of his pen. One of
his voluminous publications appeared in the rdgn of Qaeea
Elizabeth, entitled, << Synopsis P^pismi; or, a gnenl
View of P^pistrie.^' This work, which was dedicirfed
to the queen, contains upwards of thirteen hundred paga
in folio. It is perhaps the best refutation of popeiT tost
ever was published. In this work, says Mr. Toplaay, no
less than fifteen hundred errors and heresies aref chaiged
against the church of Rome, and most ably refntod. It
passed through five editions ; and was highly approved hj
many of the bishops ; held in great esteem by the tvro
universities; and very much admired, both by the clemr
and laity, throughout the kingdom. The author, it is
incorrectly added, was most zealously attached to Ae
church of £ngland, and not a grain of puritanism mingted
itself with his conformity.f
This celebrated divine continued his numerous and
painful labours to the last. He used to say, <^ As it is most
honourable for a soldier to die fighting, and for a bishop or
pastor praying ; so, if ray merciful Uod will vouchsafe to
grant me my request, I desire that I may finish my days in
writing and commenting on some part of scripture.'*
* Dr. Wniet*8 mother uras a person who aboBsded io acts of charity.
When her children were gone from her, and settled in iifc, the vied tt
feed her poor neighbours, saying, '* Now I have my children aboit wnt
again.** — Bark dalt^9 Rtmembrancer^ p. 56, 64, 65.
f TopUdy'i Historic Proof, vol. ii. p. 191, 102, 305.
wiLLEt. m
tterehi God gave Mm the desire of Ms heart* He WW
lealled to his father's house, as hte w^s cowpttsing h?s ^ Gatti^
waesktBLvy on Leviticus." Though he did not desire, as
|Kiod Archbishop Leigbton did^ that hie might die at an inn^
&e unerrinj? providence of Gtod' bad appomted that he
riiould. The occasion of &is death Was a falf from his
korse, as he was riding homewards from London, by which
lie broke his leg^ and was detained at Hoddesdon in Hert*
finrdshire, incapable of being removed. On the tenth day
after his fall^ having supped (Cheerfully the preceding
evening, $tnd rested well during the greatest part of the
U^ht, he awoke in the momiBg by the tolling of a bell,
wben he entered* into sweet conversation with his wife
tfmut the joys of hedv^. Afteif" singing with melody in
DbeSr b^rts tor the Lord, and unitedly pre^sentin^ their slip-
plications to God, he turned himself in bed, and giving a .
deep groan^ he fell into a swoon. His wife, being alarmed,
immediately called in assistance ; and upon the applica-
tion ofi suitable means,. he recovered a little, and raised
himself up in bed, but imihediatelv said, ^< Let me alone*
I 8(hall be well, Lord Je^u^;^^ and then resigned his happy
loul to God, December 4, 1621, aged ftffy-eight years.*
His funeral was attended by a great number of knights,
gentlemen, and ministers, wlio, having esteemed and ho*
OMred him ih life, testified their respect to his memory
'mhnsa dead. Though he wrote against the unmeaning and
Krijte^fstitiOBs practice of bowing at the nattie of Jesus,f
aflia was a sufferer, in the cause of nonccmformity ;i jety
Ddfig so excellent a man, so peaceable in his behaviour,
umA so ihcderate in his principles, he was enabled to
kecj* his benefice to the day of his death. " He was
k. berson," saysi Fuller, " of a souiid judgment, admirable
indiifiiiy^ a pious life, and bountiful above his ability/'^
He is classed among the learned waiters and fc^Uows of
fSif ist's college, Cambtidge.il Mt. Strype denominates him
^ a learned and zealous puritan.^'ir
Dr. Willefs remains were interred in the chancel of
Barley church, where there is a representation of him at
filU lengthy in a praying attitude; and underneath is a
• FoUer's Abel Red. p. 575.
f Wood's Athenae Ozon. toI. i. p. 348.
?N«arB Poritaoi, yoI. ii. p. 189.
Church Hist. b. x. p. 91.— Worthies, part i. p. 158.
I Faller*8 Hist, of Cam. p. 92.
I Strype's Annals, vol. Hi. p. 441, 490.
f88 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
monumental inscription erected to his memoiyi ci
tbe following is a translation :•
Here liei
Andrew Willet, D.D*
once Minuter of this Church,
and a great ornament of the Cluirch in cenend.
He died
December 4, 1621, in the 50th
year of hin age.
Reader, admire ! within this tomb there lies
Willel, though dead, still livinff with the wise;
Seek you his boase : — his polished works pemse.
Each vala*d page the living Willet shews :
All that of him w^as mortal rests below.
Nor can } uu tearless from the relics go.
Subjoined to the Latin inscription aie the foUowiof
lines in English :
Thou that erewhile didst sach strong reasons frame.
As yet, great WiUet, are the popelings shame ;
Now by thy sickness thy death hast made.
Strong arguments to prove that man's a shade*
Thy life did shew thy deep divinity,
Death only taught us thy humanity.
■ I
His Works. — 1. Synopsis Papismi, 1600.— 2. Thesamras Eecknei
1604. — 3. De Gratia Generi Hnmano in primo Parents odl]ata,d»
Lapsu Adami, Peccato Origioali, 1600. — 4. Hexapla apon DaBisI^
1610.-1^-6. Hexapla upon Romans, 161 1. — 6. Hexapla upon Leritkofi
1631. — 7. Hexapla upon Genesis, 1632. — 8. Hexapla upon Exoda^
1632. — 9. De animae natnra et viribus. — 10. Sacra Emblemafa^^
11. Dc univcrsali Yocatione Judeeonim. — 12. Do Conciliis.— 13. De
nuiversali Gratia. — 14. De Anticbristo. — 16. EpithalanivB^—
16. FunebVes Consciones. — 17. Apologia serenessimi Regie Jae.
Defensio. — 18. Harmony of the First and Second Book of SunadL—
19. Hexapla upon the Twenty-second Psalm. — ^20. Upon the Scnroh
teeuth of John.— 21. Upon the Epistle of Jude.^22. TetnwjykM
Papismi. — ^23. A Catalogue of Good Works. — ^24. Limbomastix^
25. Funeral Sermons. — 86. A Catechism. — ^27. A Prelection^— M As
Antilogy. — ^29. Epithalamium in English.— He left mn imneow
quantity of manuscripts behind him.
* Theological and Biblical Magazine, vol. vii. p. S83.
-f This work affurds mach iDformation, as it cootaioi the eptahNU tf
many aathon on each point of difficulty.— Fn(teiM*« Chritiim Frmtlm^
p. 4S3.
EGERTON. S89
* SteI^hen Egerton, A.m. — This excdlcnt divine was
incorporated in both universit'cs, and ailerwards for many
years the learned, zealous, and faithful minister of Black-
fnars, London. He was a thorough nonconrorniist, a
zealous promoter of a further reformation of the church,
•and an avowt^d advocntc for the pre^byterian discipline.
He WIS a member oi' the presbjrtery erected at Wandsworth
in Surrey, and fn^qiiently united with his brethren in their
associations, when he was commonly chosen to the office of
moderator.
In the year 1584, he and Mr. John Field wer(^ suspended
for refusina; subscription to VVhitgift's three articles. After
receiving the censure of this tyrannical prelate, they'
assigned their reaF:oas for not subscribing to the second
article, viz. " That the Book of Common Prayer, and the
Book of Ordination, containeth in it nothing contrary
to the word of God."" — *' We cannot subscribe to this
article," say they, " because the book alloweth a mere
reading ana insutiicient ministry ; and, what is still more
intolerable, it containeth many things ttiiding to harden
obstinate papists, and to encourage ignorance and supersti-
tion among the conunon people. All this is apparent,
Seeing most of the things contained in the book are trans-
lated out of the popish portuis, with little or no alteration^
We cannot consent thtit certain parts of the apocrypha
should be used in public worship, and some parts of
scriptnre omitted. In tlie burial of the dead, every wicked
man must be committ< d to the ground in sure and certain
hopecd the resurrection to eternal life. The book maketh
eonfirmation, the cross in baptism, and matrimony, to be
sacraments. In one of the collects, it is said, ' Give us
those things which we dare not ask.^ The book main-
taineth the offices of archbishops, bishops, &c. as being
different from that of ministers." In addition to these,
thcv assign many otlier reasons.*
ft does not appear how long Mr. Egerton remained under
the above ecclesiastical censure. \Ve find, however, that
about this time he united with his brethren in subscribing
the " Book of Discipline."+ In the year 1590, during the
imprisonment of Mr. Barrow and Mr. Greenwood, our
J ions divine and other puritan ministers were sent by the
iishop of Loniion to confer with them. Tholigh he was
deemol unworthy of the public ministry, the persecuting
•-MS. Register, p. 460—463.
i Mcal*8 Puritans, vul. i. p. 423.
YOL. II. U
890 LIVES OP THE PURITANS.
J>relate8 accounted him sufficiently qualified to hold a eoo«
erence with those whom they stigmatized schisniatic* and
heretics. Mr. £gerton exchanged several letters with tke
suiFering prisoners, one of which was dated April 14^
1590. The rest were written about the same time.* In tlui
year he was still under suspension ; haying suffisred the croel
censure, no doubt, for the space of six years* Nor was Um
all. For, during the same year, he was summoned, with
many of his brethren, before the high commission, and con-
mittcd to the Fleet, where for several years he saflfered tht
€xtremit^ of the prison. An account of these barbavoni
proceedings is given in another place.f
Mr. E^rton, having at length obtained his rekaic^
became minister of Blackfriars in the year 1598, wheie ke
continued many years.} The celebrated Dr. Nowell, dam
of St. PauPs, in a letter which he wrote during this jreii^
denominates him '^ a man of great learning and godliness.^
Upon the accession of King James« numerous petitiOM
were presented to his majesty for a further refonnatioii cf
the church. In the year 1603, when that which was called
<< The Millenary Petition,^' subscribed by upwards of a
thousand ministers, was presented to the king and padta*
ment, none were deemed so well qualified to undertake tlui
business as Mr. Egerton and Mr. Hildersham, with sone
other eminent divincs.|| Mr. Eeerton died about the year |
1621, and was succeeded at Blackfriars by the famous ^
Dr. William Gouge, who appears to have been for some -^
time hb assistant. These two eminently faithful servants of j
Christ spent about seventy years in their minbterial laboan ^
at Blackfriars.n
Hiu Works.— L A licclurc on Gen. Xii. 17—20., 1680.^1 A ^
brief Method of Catechizing, 1594.-— 3. The Doctrine of SabjediOB •
to God and the Kin|2^, 1616.-— 4. The Boring of the Ear, 1021^
5. Comforts to strengthen the Weak in Faith, 1630.— 6. A Defcrif
tion of UncomelinetMi. — He publi»hed an enlarged cation of Mr. Pw
JIaincti's ** Help to True llappineMK ;*' and wrote an Epiitlt to Vr.
Richard Rogers's " Seven Treatises/' 1604.
* MS. Remarkt, p. 495.
-¥ See Art. Cartwrigbt.
?Newcaart*t Repert. Eccl. wo], i. p. 915.
Bior. Britan. vol. v. p. S25d. Edit. 1747.
g Foller*! Church Hlit. b. ix. p. 7.
t Jeokini on Jude, Pref.
T. PAGET. 291
Thomas Paget was a zealous and worthy minister in the
teoces;* of Chester, but much persecuted for nonconformitj.
Tkrou^ the severity of the times, when he could no longer
CDJoy me blessing of religious liberty in his own country, he
toogbt refuge in a foreign land ; and, to escape the perse*
citing funr of the prelates, retired to Holland as a place of
flifety. He had been many years employed in the ministry,
in the above diocese, when Dr. Thomas Morton became
Bishc^ of Chester. This learned prelate was no sooner
comfortably seated in the episcopal chair, than he began to
prosecute the nonconformists within his jurisdiction, and
sent forth letters missive, summoning them to appear before
the high commission. Among those who were cited was
Mr. PlEiget This was no sooner known in the country
tlan many of the most worthy knights and gentlemen in the
diooese took the matter into serious consideration, espoused
fte cause of the distressed ministers, and wrote a very appro-
priate letter to the bishop ; in which they expressed them-
adves as follows :
<< Right Reverend, &c. Whereas we understand that
divers of our jpainful and discreet ministers are lately, by
letters missive from your lordship and others of his majesty g
Imjfa commission for causes ecclesiastical within the diocese
f/Chester, enjoined to appear before you, to answer to such
natters as shall be objected against them. We, whose
names are subscribed, have thought fit to acquaint your
hwdship with our opinion of those ministers, for the pre-
venting, if need require, of such sinister and malicious
iafimnations ; which, in these cases, are frequently stirred
up against men of their sort and quality ; sometimes by
lewd and profane persons ; and many times by the disguisea,
nbtil, and superstitious Romanists and church-papists,
iriiose hearts are wholly a^inst us, all the while their faces
aie seemingly for us. We have observed, so far as we are
dde to judge, in these our ministers, integrity of life and
ooaversation, orthodox soundness of doctrine, diligence and
painfulness in their places, sobriety and peaceableness in
their dispositions, and freedom from faction. Also, as the
peat good and profit which our congregations where they
five have abundantly received from their ministry ; tliere-
fore we are emboldened to entreat your favour, &c."*
This letter was delivered to his lordship at Stockport ;
^lio, after reading it, said, " They whom the letter con-
♦ Paget's Defence, Pref.
392 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
eemeth are the worse to be liked, for the good testimonj
bere given of them." Mr. Paget was one m the ministen
in whose behalf the letter was written, and being present at
tiie reading of it, the bishop immediately requirea his argu-
ments against the use of the cross in baptism ; that, as be
then boasted, he might instantly discover their weakness aad
folly in refusing to conform. Mr. Paget and his brethren at
first declined all disputation, partly because their errand
was not to dis);)ute, but to obtain their release from the bigfc
commission ; and because the bishop was to be the sole
judge ; so' that they might bring themselves into danger.
However, the bishop continuing to urge them in the pre-
fence of many persons of quality, lest they should seem to
betray a good cause by total silence, Mr. Paget at length
entered upon a disputation with his lordship ; who, in the
conclusion, ingenuously acknowledged his own nej^lect io
study the controversy, but resolved in future to direct his
attention more that way. And, besides releasing them fiw
the high commission, he frankly owned, that he found in
tliem more learning than he expected. But, in order to
brin^ them to conformity, he commanded each of them to
produce in writinj?, three arguments against the cross ia
Daptism, the use of the surplice, and kneeling at the LctfiTv
fupper, and brin^ them to him in the space of a month. Hi9
order was accordingly obeyed; but it failed of the success
which his lordship expected.
Soon after, several df the ministers were again cited into
the hi^h conmiission court, and used with great crueltj.
Mr. rkget himself met with much unkind treatment, and
was unucr the nccessily of making three joiimies of sucty
miles each, within the space of fourteen days, the bishop
and other commissioners still deferring the consideration of '
his case to a future court-day. The bishop's officers treated
him with much vile and abusive language, attended with
blasphemous cursing and swearing, declaring he should
assuredly be damned. On a day appointed, the good roan
again appeared before the commission at Chester ; when the
bishop expostulated with him a full hour, concerning the
observance of the ecclesiustical ceremonies, and signified
that his own remissness in prosecuting the nonconformisti,
had hindered his preferment to the bishopric of Lincoh'
In the conclusion, his lordship I)eing in a violent pawion,
threatened to suspend, excommunicate, and demde hiin>
and to make the land too hot for him ; and asked him what be
would then do. Mr. Paget meekly replied, in the woids of
T. PAGET. S9S
Ae iMfOphet : << I wiU look unto the Lord ; I -will wait Ibr th«
Gcd of my salyaticm. My God will hear me." The
failBliop immediately retorted, saying, '' God will not hear a
Uasphemer : a blasphemer of his mother the church of
England, and one who despiseth her ordinances." Mr.
faget then replied, ^^ I desire. to fear God and abhor
blasphemy ; and my refusal of conformity to superstitious
ceremonies, which even by the prelates themselves are
esteemed indifferent, is neither blasphemy nor contempt."
The angry prelate at length dismissed him without any cen-
sure, but ordered him to pay large fees to the officers of the
court.*
In the year 1618, Morton being translated to the see of
Lichfield and Coventry, Dr. Bridgman became his succes-
sor at Chester. The latter prelate did not, at first, manifest
any great opposition against the nonconformists, except by
suspending a few of them, together with Knutsford chapel.f
Afil^rwards, however, the bishop took courage, and inhibited
mosA of the puritans in his diocese. Mr. Paget, among the
rest, was convened before him, when the good old man
humbly desired his lordship^s coimivance ; which he denied^
lest, as he observed, he should lose the favour of his prince.
And when he required Mr. Paget to assign his reasons for
refusing to kneel at the sacrament, he cited the words of our
Lord : " Howbeit, in vain do they worship me, teaching
for doctrines the commandments of men.'* These words,
he observed^ might be justly applied to the imposition of
kneeling at the I^ord's supper. The bishop then signified,
that he ei^pected a more learned argument, and supposed
that Mr. Paget would have insisted upon the posture used
* This leaned prelate, writing of these times, says, *^Tbe nonconformists
fULwe mffered what is next to death; and too many have suffered unto
4ealh io prisons. Imposers," he justly adds, *^ should not esteem any thtii|;.
ajnsC cause of bringing any under the censores of silencing of preachers
from preaching, for which they may not adventure to take away their
lives." Dr. Morton was a bishop forty years; and during that lone period,
it is iiid, there was not his superior in the church, for temperance, industry,
and piety. He constantly rose at four o'clocl^ in the morning to his studies,
when he was eighty years of age; usually lay upon a straw bed; and,
tbroQgb the whole course of his life, seldom exceeded one itkeal a day. — Con*
famUttg PUa^ p. 14. Edit. 1681.— GraR^«r'« Biog, Hist. vol. ii. p. 15^
f The corions occasion of the bishop's suspending this chapel, was the
foUowing : ** A gentleman of Knutsford, being fond of sport, caused a bear,
passing ^ong the streets, to be led into the chapeh The bishop no sooner
heard of the chapel being thus profaned by the bear, than he suspended k
firom being used for public worship, and it remained a long time under his
lordship's ecclesiastical censure. This was episcopal superstition in per-
fection I — Paget*8 Deftnc€i Pref, *
f94 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
by Christ and his disciples, at the institution -of the ordi-
n»rice. And, to convince Mr. Paget how unseemly that
i>os(ure would now be in the church, his lordship gravely
aid himself upon a bench by the side of a table, leaning oil
his elbow, affirming that to have been the posture of Christ
at the institution of the supper; which, said he, you canneC
contradict, especially if you understand Greek. Mr. Riget
replied, that whatever was his knowledge of Greek, donoi'
less the translators of the New Testament were skilful in tint
language, and they had rendered it sitting* Also, he fhither
observed, that Dr. Morton, his lordship s predecessor, not-
withstanding the stir he made about the translation, con-
fessed it was a kind of sitting. However, to close the busi-
ness, Mr. Paget, together with many others, was suspended
from the ministry, and remained under his lordship's censiuf
about two years.
In the year 16S1, when it was hoped the storm was abated|
means were used to obtain his liberty, but without eflSsct.
Afterwards, written testimonies were procured froin York,
signed by the register of the high commission court, in
behalf of Mr. Paget and two other ministers in Cheshire,
releasing them from suspension, and allowing them to go on
in their ministerial work as usual. But within three months,
xdthout any previous warning, attachments were issned
from the high commission to apprehend them, and Imng
them to York; when they were ordered to he cast into
prison till they could give satisfaction to the court In
these painful circumstances, obtaining information of the
approaching storm, and having already too much felt tbt
cruel oppressions of that coud, they withdrew, as did tho
prophet to escape the fury of Ahab. When they could
not be found, heavy fines were laid upon them; and, for
their non-appearance, their fines were aggravated from on^
court-day to another ; till at length their case was retunieA-
.into the exchequer. In the end, having suffered grea^^
poverty, and many other troubles, they were obliged t
compound. But upon no consideration could they obtaii
their liberty to preach. Therefore, Mr. Paget forsook 1'
native country, and went to Holland, where he most pn
bably spent the remainder of his days. He wrote the pr
face to Mr. John Paget's " Defence of Church Goven^ *
ment," 1641, whence the above account is collected. ])i3it
whether they were at all related, we have not bc«n able C^
le^rn.
KNIGHT. S95
- Mr. Kmight was of Pembroke college, Oxford, and, one
of the preachers to the university. He was a divine of good
Jamming, great moderation, and genuine puritan pinciples.
Having delivered a sermon on the Lord's day, April 15, 16S2,
befinre the university, from 2 Kings, xix. 9., he advanced
this position, <^ That subordinate magistrates might lawfully
make use of force, and defend themselves, the comroon-
vealth, and the true religion, in the field, against the chief
ma^strate, within the cases and conditions following :
1. When the chief magistrate turns a tyrant* 2. When he
teoes his subjects to blasphemy or idolatry. S. When any
intolerable burdens or pressures are laid upon them. Andf,
4. When resistance is the only expedient to ^secure their
Kves, their fortunes, and the liberty of their consciences."*
Fcnr this prc^iosition in the sermon. Bishop Laud denomi-
imtes it ^< a treasonable sermon."f The preacher was,
flierefbie, sent for to court, and asked what authority he
luul for his assertion. He answered, that it was the opinion
of Piaraeuson Rom. xiii. ; but that his principal authority
was King James himself, who was then affording assistance
tthe oppressed Uochellers against their prince. Upon this
Id and unexpected answer, Mr. Knight was immediately
committed to Uie Gatehouse ; Paraeus's % Commentary was
•udered to be burnt at Cambridge, Oxford, and Paul's cross,
LcMidon ; his assertions were condemned as false and sedi-
IJaus ; and the university of Oxford, in full convocation,
anade the following decrees t ^^ That it is not lawful to resist
the sovereign by force of arms, either offensively or de^
ftnsively, upon any pretence whatsoever : that all doctors,
«iiaslier& CKf arts, &c. within the university, shall subscribe to
these decrees and censures : and that whosoever shall here->
9ifler take any degree, shall first acknowledge the truth and
justice of these censures by subscription to the sape ; and
dball take his oath, that he doth from his heart not only
4xmdemn the said doctrine of Paraeus, but that he will
neither preach, teach, nor maintain the same, or any of them,
al any time in future."^ Thus all the graduates in tlii9
« Neal'i Paritans, yoI. ii. p. 126.
, i. Prypn^'d ))rf Tiat^ pf La^d, p. S.
' % Parens Was highly celebrated for true christian piety, a qiost learned
^ntfessor of divinity at Heidelberg, and rector of the university at that
pl^Ce. He was an admirable writer, a celebrated divine, and appointed by
^^ elector palatine to attend the synod of Dort ; but, on account of his age
*^ infirmftlet, be desired to be excused.— l^u/fer'f Ahtl Redivivu$, p. 579|
i MS. Clmniolc^, toI. ii. p. 097. (26.)
S96 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
university were bound down as slaves to their tyrannical
m>pres8ors, and required to SAvear, that they would nevier
change their opinions. Was ever any thing- more uores-
sonable? Yet such was the tyranny and barbarity of the
times ! But how lon^ Mr. Knight remained in the Gatehoqitei
or what other punishment was inflicted upon hira, we hate
not been able to learn.
John Randall, B. D. — This zealous minister erf* Chrut
was bom at Missenden in Buckinghamshire, in the yev
1568, and educated first in St. Mary's-hall, then in Truaity
college, Oxford, and afterwards elected fellow of Lincoui
college. Having entered upon the ministry, he became
one of the most noted preachers in the university. In the
year 1598, he removed from Oxford, and became rector rf
St. Andrews, Little Ekistcheap, London. In this aituatioa
he continued to the end of his days ; and by hii eooftant
preaching, resolving cases (^ conscience, and his othoi
ministerial exercises, he went beyond most of his brethrePf
to the admiration of all who knew him. Thoufffa he to
unconuncmly laborious in the Lord's vineyard^ he yhi
mostly exercised with very painful bodily afflictum. Hift
learning and piety were unreservedly devoted to public
usefulness. It does not, however, appear whether Ifr^
Randall was ever proseputed for his nonconformity.- - Be
was accounted a zealous and innocent puritan, a judicioitt
and orthodox divine, a harmless and holy man, and one
wholly devoted to usefulness in the church of Christ Bf
his constant and faithful labours, true religion was gfes^j
promoted, many were reclaimed from the ways oF ungod*
liness, and others established in the truth. He died in the
beginning of June, 163S, aged fifty-four years ; and hii
remains were interred in his own church.* Mr. Randall
was tutor to the famous Mr. Rob^ Bolton.
His Works.—!. Several Sermons, 1623.— 2. The Great Mysteiy
of Godliness, 1624. — 3. A Treatise concerning the Sacraments, 1690.—*
4. Catechistical Lectures, 1630. — 5. Lectures of the Church, 1631.
• Wood's Athens Os^pn. tqI. i. p. 509, 400,^Newcoiirt'i Repeirt* £ccl.
Yol. 1. p. SS5.
RANDALL— N. BYFIELD. «7
Nicholas Byfield. — This pious and learned divine
was born in Warwickshire, in the year 1579, and educated
in Exeter allege, Oxford. He was son to Mr. Richard
Bjrfield, who became minister of Stratford-upon-Avon in
1596. He was a hard student ; and having spent four years
in the closest application, he left the university, entered
upon the ministerial work, and intended to have gone into
Ireland ; hut preaching at Chester, on his way thither, he
received an invitation to be pastor of St. Peter's in that
cityf where he continued a number of years. He waa
suicIl followed on account of his pious and profitable
meachii^, especially by all who had any relish for religion.
The excellent and celebrated JohnBruen, esq. was one of
Ids hearers, from whom he received many acts of kindness.*
In the year 1615, he removed from Chester, and became
Ticar (^Isleworth in Middlesex,-*- where he continued the rest
of his days. He was a divine of ^< a profound judgment,
a strong memory, a quick inventicm, and unwearied
indust|ry."$ He was a constant, powerful, and useful
{Treacher; a thorough Calvinist^ a nonconformist to the
ceremonies, ^and a. strict observer of the sabbath. By his
aeal for the sanctification of the Lord's day, his labours in the
ministry, an4 hia exemplary life, religion flourished, many
were converted, and puritanism gained ground. Yet to
was a sufferer with his brethren in the cause of noncon-
£[>rmity.§
Mr. Byfield, during the latter part of his life, was
exceedingly afflicted with the stone in the bladder, most
probably the effect of intense study and hard labour. And
* Mr. Brnen had a servant, named Robert Pasfield, but commonly caUed
Old Robert^ who was ** mighty in the scriptures," though he could neither
write nor read. He was, indeed, as remarkable for remembering texts
amd sermons, as Jodidiah Buxton for remembering numbers. For by the
lielp of his memory, he invented and framed a girdle of leather, long and
large, which went twice about him. This he divided into several parts,
allotting every book in the Bible, in their order, to some of these divisions $
then for the chapters, he affixed points or thongs of leather to the several
divisions, and made knots by fives or tens thereupon, to distinguish the
chapters of that book; and by other points, he divided the chapters into
their particular contents or verses, as occasion required. This he used
ikistead of pen and ink, in bearing sermons, and made so good a use of it,
that, coming home, he was able by it to repeat the sermon, quote the texts
of scripture, &c. to his own great comfort and to the benefit of others.
This girdle Mr. Bruen kept after Old Robert's death, hong it op in his
stndy, and would pleasantly call it *♦ The girdle of Verity.'* — Riiide's
Life of Bruen, p. 58, 135.— Granger's Biog. Hist. vol. i; p. 251.
+ Newconrt*s Repert. Eccl. vol. i. p. 676.
± Wood's AthensB Oxon. vol. i. p. 402.
^ MS. Chronology, vol, iU- p. 699. (2.)
S98 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
having groaned for sereral years under the most excrucia*
ting pain, it brought him at length to his grave, in the year
1622j and the forty-third of his age. FuUer observes, thai
for fifteen years together^ he preached at Isleworth twice
every Lord's day, and expounded the scriptures everj
Wechiesday and Fridav, till five weeks before his death.
If this account be just, tne time of his removal fh)m Chester,
or the period we have given of his death, must evidently
one of them be incorrect.* His bodv being opened afler
his death, a stone was taken out of his bladder, which
weighed thirtt/'three ounces, and measured about the edges
fift^n inches and a half, the length and breadth aboat
thirteen inches, and of a substance like flint. '' There afe
many eye-witnesses, besides myself," says Dr. William
Gouge, in his account of this wonderful phenomenon, ^ who
can justify the truth of what I say.*'f He meekly and
patiently endured his torturing pains till death gave him
Eerfect ease. Mr. £yfield published several books during
is life, and others came forth aftei his death, shewing him
to have been a person of good parts, great learning, and
nnconunon industry. Bishop Wilkins passes a hiffa enco-
mium upon his sermons, classing them with me most
excellent in his day.]: He was mther to Mr. Adoniram
Byfield, another puritan divine, of whom some account will
be given. Mr. Richard Byfield, the ejected nonconformist
in 1662, was his half-brother. S
His Works. — 1. An Essay on the Assurance of God's Love aiid
Man's SalTation, 1614. — 2. An Exposition on the Epistle to the
Colossians, 1615.|| — 3. Directions for the private reading of the
Scriptures, 1618. — 4. A Treatise shewing how a godly Christian may
support his Heart with comfort against aU the Distresses which* by
reason of any Affliction or Temptation, can befall him in this life,
1618. — 5. The beginning of the Doctrine of Christ, or a Catalogue of
Sins, 1609.— 6. The Marrow of the Oracles of God, 1620.-7. Com-
mentary or Sermons on the second Chap, of the 1 Epis. of St
Peter, 1623. — 8. Sermons on the first ten verses of the third Chap, of
the 1 Epis. of St. Peter, 1626. — ^Thc two last were published, with
additions, entitled, '^ A Commentary upon the whole First Epistle of
St. Peter,'? 1637.— 9. An Exposition of the AposUe's Creed, lOaa—
10. Answer to Mr. Brcenyood's Treatise of the Sabbath, 1630.—
U. The light of Faith and Way of Holiness, 1630.^1?. The Signs of
• Fuller's Worthies, part iii. p. 127.
f Ibid. — Evangel; Mag. yol. zvi. p. 416.
t Wilkins on Preaching, p. 82, 83.
^ Palmer's Noncon. Mem. vpl. iil. p. SOI.
I This work is full of gobd sense and spiritual savour, and abounds with
pertinent citations of 'scriptnre, wit|io'at any prttciuiont to orttoriml dreis.
tViUiams^s Christian Freacher^ p. 487t
AINSWORTH. 299
GedVi Love to us, 1630. — 13. The Practice of Christianity; or, an
Jl^tomc of Mr. Rich. Rogers's Seven Treatises.— 14. The principal
GrouncU of the Christian Religion. — 15. Several Sermons.
Henby Ainsworth. — This person was a celebrated
scholar, an excellent divine, and a painful sufferer for
nonconformity. Though little is known of him, especially
during the early part of his life, his uncommon skill in
Hebrew learning, and his excellent commentaries on the
sacred scriptures, are held in high reputation to this day.
About the y^r 1590, we find him a distinguished leader
among the Brownists, to whom he adhered, and with
vhom he bore his share of grievous persecution. About
the same period, among the books that were written against
the churcn of England, and seized by authority, was one
entitled ^' Counter-Poyson."* The author of this work,
jQiouffh not mentioned in the first edition, was Mr. Ains-
vortn ; and as it probably drew upon him the vengeance
of the ruling prelates, so it might hasten his departure into
aibreign land. Though he was a native of England, this is
all that we know of him till he became a resident in Holland;
but at what period he removed thither, cannot be exactly
9$certained. It is most probable, however, that he accom-
panied the Brownists in their general banishment, in the
year 1593. t And it is most certain that he was in Holland
in 1596, when he carried on a correspondence with the
celebrated Junius. Hoornbeck relates, that during Mr.
Ainsworth's abode in Holland, he made a voyage to Ireland,
and there left some disciples, i
Mr. Ainsworth lived at Amsterdam, where his external
^arcumstances, like those of the church in general, were
very low. He is said to have been porter to a bookseller,
who, having discovered his skill in the Hebrew language,
made it known to his countrymen. Mr. Roger Williams,
founder of Providence Plantation in New England, in
whose testimony we have reason .to confide, informs us,
** that he lived upon nine-pence a week, and some boiled
joots."^ The account which the Brownists give of them-
jBelves is, " that they were almost consumed with deep
poverty; loaded with reproaches; despised and afflicted
jby alL"|| The reception which they met with from a
* Neal's Puritans, vol. i. p. 441.
-¥ Ibid, p.468, 496.— Lifeof Ainiworth, p. IS. t Ibid. p. 14,
^ Cotton's Aoswer to Williams, p. 1 19. |t Life of Ainwortb, p. Id.
900 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
people just emerging from civil and eccIesiasticaI<^;^remon^
iras ycrj different from what might have been expected.
The civil power, commonly more friendly to a toleratioiil
than the ecclesiastical, does not, indeed, seem to have-
troubled them. But the Dutch clergy regarded them with
a jealous eye ; and they appear to have been screened fitm
persecution chiefly by their own insignificance.* Durii^
this season of tribulation, Mr. Ainsworth did not remaio
idle ; for most of his books, which are evidently the fruit of
good learning, much reading, and close application, woe
written at this period.
After the publication of the above piece, the next work
in which we find liim to have been engaged was a traoda-
tion of the Brownists^ Confession of P\nitn into Latin. It
appeared in 1598, and was dedicated to the universities -of
lieyden, Heidelberg, Geneva, St. Andrews, and the other
Eublic seminaries of Holland, Germany, France, and Scot-
md. It was afterwards translated into English, aiul doei
not differ much in doctrine from the Harmony of Con-
fessions.f In this confession the Brownists did not intend td
erect a standard of faith for others, and impose it upon
them ; but merely to vindicate themselves from the odium
under which they laboured, as discontented and factions
sectaries. Their cohduct was very different from that of
the most famous councils or synods, which, while they have
compiled systems of faith and tests of orthodoxy for ages
and nations, have seldom failed to sow the seeds of discoid
and enmity among men.
After the Brownists were first settled at Amsterdam, tbqr
erected a church, as they tliought, according to the model
of the New Testament, choosing Mr. Francis Johnson for
their pastor, and Mr. Ainsworth for doctor or teacher. Tk^
church, however, did not continue long in peace, but was
torn in pieces by several unhappy divisions, as will be found
particularly noticed in another placet Ii^ the first of these
divisions Mr. Ainsworth took part with Mr. Johnson the
pastor ; but was so much grieved at the unnatural heafs
which the controversy excited, that he spoke of laying
down his office as teacher. In the next controversy, Mr,
Ainsworth took an active part against Mr. John Smyth,
who had espoused sentiments similar to those of Arminius,
and who rejected infant baptism. And of the third
division, in which he was personally concerned, he
• Life of Ainiworth, p. 16. f Ibid. p. \5, 18.
X See Art. Francii Johnson.
AINSWORTH. 301
{mblished a particular account in' a book entitled ^ An
Animadversion to Mr. Richard Clifton's Advertisement^
who, under pretence of answering Mr- Chr. Laune^s book,
kath published another man's private letter, with Mr.
Francis Johnson's Answer thereto. Which letter is here
justified ; the answer thereto refuted ; arid the true causes
of the lamentable breach that hath lately fallen out in the
£nglish exiled church at Amsterdam, manifested," 1613.*
The occasion of this breach appears to have been a
diflference of opinion respecting church discipline. Upon
iiiis division, a second congregation was raised at Amsterdam
nnder the superintendence ^ of Mr. Ainsworth, who is said
to have been succeeded by the &mous Mr. John Canne,
author of marginal references to the Bible. + Mr. Ains-
•Worth's enemies, to cast an odium on his memory, have
been pleased to say, that, after his death, his people con-
tinued many years without a pastor, and without the admi-
nistration of the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's
iujmer ; and that they were rent by another division, one
half following Mr. JohndeCluse, and the other Mr. Canne.if
But these representations, evidently designed to reproach
fliese persecuted people, are unsupported by sufficient
evidence, and several particulars are denied and refuted by
olie who lived in those times, and obtained the most correct
information.^ With regard to Mr. Ainsworth himself, he is
reproachfully charged with having changed his opinions
from a conformist to a separatist, and from a separatist to a
conformist, no less than six times; but, as there does not
appear the least shadow of truth in the charge, the deserved
odium will doubtless fall upon its bigoted author.||
• It is a circumstance which deserves to be recorded to the
honour of Mr. Ainsworth, that in the midst of the above
onhappy controversies, in which his own pen was actively
employed, he preserved a meek and true christian spirit.
Tl«)ugh he is represented by his enemies to have been
extremely rigid, intemperate, and severe, the contrary is
yeiy evident. Mr. Jolui Paget having challenged him to a
disputation upon points of church discipline, Mr. Ainsworth,
in a letter dated July 12, 1617, returned the following
mild and peaceable answer : — ^' If any thing pass betwixt
^you and me about those points, you shall be th^ first
• Life of Ainsworth, p. 28—38. f Neal's Puritans, vol. ii. p. 45.
i BaHie*s Dissuasive, p. 15.->Paget's Answer to Best and Davenport^
1^134. — Paget's Defence, p. 33. .
4 Qotton's Coogregational Churches, p, 6.
g &Uie's Vindication, p. 7,
802 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
<< provoker of it. And if you desire it, I will not leluse^
<< it shall be at your own choice. As I love not to beeik
<< controversy, so I will not be wanting to do any ^ood I
<« can, to you or any other ; or to defendany point <rf tnilii
^^ which God hath given me to see and witness, whra I am
*' duly called thereunto."*
Mr. Ainsworth cultivated, at the same time, those stodiei
which were more congenial to his profession, and moir
beneficial to the best interests of men. His great work,
the ^^ Annotations on the Five Books of Moses, the F^abu,
and the Song of Solomon," was published separately, in
the year 161S, and several following years ; and afterwvdi
collected and printed in London, in one volume folio, 1687,
and again in 1639. This last edition is said to be ver?
scarce. As to the execution of the work, its great wm
has been established by the strongest testimonies of foreign
as well as British divines. Succeeding critics have adopted
Lis remarks, and he is frequently cited by modem com-
mentators. Dr. Doddridge says, " Ainsworth on tk
Pentateuch, Psalms, and Solomon's Song, is a good book,
full of very valuable Jewish learning ; and his tianshtioB
is, in many places, to be preferred to our own, especiallyoD
the Psalms.' +
The manner of Mr. Ainsworth's death, as related by Mr*
Neal, was sudden and singular, and not without stroog
suspicion of violence. For it is observed, that he, having
found a diamond of great value in the streets of Amsterdam)
advertised it in print ; and when the owner, who was a Jev,
came to demand it, he offered him any acknowledgment be
desired. Mr. Auisworth, however, though poor, would
accept nothing except only a conference with some of the
rabbles, upon the prophecies of the Old Testament relating
to the Messiah, which the other promised ; but not having
sufficient interest to obtain the favour, it is thought &
caused him to be poisoned. :t Other accounts say, that he
obtained the conference, and so confound'ed the t^ws, thal^
from spite and malice, they in this manner put a period to
his life. Some writers, however, doubt the truth of this
account, because it is never mentioned by any of the editoB
of his posthumous pieces. His death, by whatever cause it
was produced, happened about the close a£ the year 1622,
or the beginning oi I62S.§
* Panel's Arrow against Separation, p. 9.
f Doddridge's Worlds, vol. ▼. p. 472. Edit. 1804.
t Neal*s Paritans, vol. ii. p. 46. . § Life of Ainsworth^ p. 00, 61.
AINSWORTH. 30J
Mr. Ainsworth was a man of great piety^ uncommon
Ifirudition, and extraordinary abilities. Whatever engaged
his pen was treated with proper respect, even by his adyer-
Haries ; who, while they disapproved his sentiments, could
not fail to admire, his abilities. The famous Bishop Hall,
who wrote against the Brownists, always speaks of him
as the greatest man of their party ; and rerers to him as
ibeir doctor, their chief, their rabbi.* He was unquestion-
ably a person of profound learning, exquisitely versed in
a- knowledge of the scriptures, and deeply read in the
Jewish rabbins. He possessed a strong understanding,
a quick penetration, and wonderful dilig^ce. His
lODeiper was meek and amiable, his zeal for divine truth
forvent, and he conducted himself with great moderation
towards his adversaries. The following account is given
of. Mr. Ainsworth, by one of his contemporaries, and oq«
unfriendly to his peculiar sentiments : <^ For the life of the
man, myself bein^ eye-witness, living some time with him
at Amsterdam, of his humility, sobriety, and discretion,
petting aside his preposterous zeal in the point and practice
of separation, he lived and died unblamably to the world ;
9Qd 1 am thoroughly persuaded that his soul rests with his
&iviour.*'+
His Works. — 1. Counter-Poyson, 1690.— 2. A Defence of the
Holy Scriptures, Worship, and Ministry, used in the Christian
elfturches separated from Antichrist, against Mr. Smyth, 1609. —
S. An Animsidversion on Mr. Richard Clifton's Advertisement, 1613.
-•^ The Trying out of the Truth, begun and prosecuted in certain
Letters and Passages between John Aynsworth and Henry Ayns-
worth : the one pleading for^ the other against the present Church of
Rome, 1615. — 6. A Reply to the pretended Christian Plea for tlie
Antichristian Church of Rome, published against Francis Johnson,
1090. — 6. Certain Notes of Mr. Ainsworth's last Sermon, on 1 Pet. ii.
4^ 6., 1630.— 7. The old orthodox Foundation of Religion, 1641.—
$• A seasonable Discourse ; or, a Censure upon a Dialogue of the Ana-
iNiptists, 1643. — ^9. The Book of Psalms Englished both in prose and
lietre, 1644.-^10. A Guide to Zion. — 11. An Advertisement touch-
ing some Objections against the sincerity of the Hebrew text ; and
tbe Allegations of the Rabbins. — 12. A. Treatise of the Communion
of Saints. — 13. An Arrow against Idolatry. — ^The two last were re-
praited together in 1789, with a copious and interesting account of
tte' author prefixed. — 14. His Annotations already mentioned, and
pnbMy some others.
4» Hmll'i Apologie a^ainit the Brownists. f Life of Ainsworth, p. 6?.
304 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
William Pemble, A. M. — This learned diyine -was the
son of a minister, born at £gerton in Kent, in the year I59f,
and educated in Magdalen college, Oxford, where Mr.
Richard Capel was his tutor. From a child he was trained
up in good literature, and profited in all kinds of know-
ledge, more than most others. From the tender years of
infancy he was constantly taught in the school of ChrisI;
so that, under the influence of divine grace, together with
the sanctified use of his manifold afllictions and temptatioiu,
he attained a high degree of heavenly wisdom. Thongb
he was young in years, he ofiered to God a more excellait
sacrifice than many of his elder brethren.* At the univeisitf
he acquired a most distinguished reputation, and became a
celebrated Ireader of divinity in Magdalen college. Ae^
cording to our author, ^' he was a zealous Calvinist, a
famous preacher, an excellent artist, a skilful linguist, s
good orator, an expert mathematician, and an ornament to
the society to which he belonged." Adrian HeereboiMd,
the famous professor of philosophy at Leyden, was verf
profuse in the commendation of his learning and learned
works.f Another writer observes, ^^ that he thoroughly
traced the circle of the arts; and attained a degree
of eminence, not only in the sciences, but even in
those more sublime speculations of which many sire not
capable."t
Magdalen college was the veiy nursery of puritans*
Mr. Pemb^e was justly denominatedf one of them, thondi he
did not carry his nonconformity, in certain points, quite so
far as some of his brethren. He laboured openly to
promote the reformation of the church, and encouraged the
relaxation of subscription and other points of conformilj.
fie was tutor to many puritans, who afterwards becanM
distinguished ornaments for learning, piety, and usefulneeik
This divine, with many others, afibrds sufficient proof fluit
the puritans were not all unlearned, or at all inferior m
learning to those who conformed.^
Mr. Pemble going on a visit to Mr. Capel, formerly hb
tutor, but now minister at £astington in Gloucesteishuo^
was taken ill, and died at his tutor's house, in the thirtv*
second year of his age. His remains were interred in m;
• Pemble's Works, Prcf. EdiL 1627.
i- Wood's Atbeoae Oxon. vol. i. p. 405.
1 Pemble on JustificatioD, Pref. Edit. 1625.
MS. Chronology, vol. ii. p. 705. (4.)
PEMBLB-rSPRINT. 305
Anrch-yard at that place, and over his grave was the
Ulowiiig plain monumental inscription :
Here lieth
the Body of
William Pemble,
Master of Arts aDd Preacher,
who died April 14,
1623.
He left the world in the comfortable and full persuasion
Nf jostifiication by faith in the righteousness of Jesus Christ.*
lishop Wiikins, in his list of the most excellent sermons
a his time, includes' those of Mr. Femble.f
Bis Works.—-!. A Treatise of Justification by Faith, 1625^—
L A Treatise of Providence. — 3. The Book of Ecclesiastes Ex-
ruined, 1628. — 4. A Plea for Grace, more especially the Grace of
^aitii, 1629.— 6. An Exposition of the first Nine Chapters of Zecha-
iah, 1629.-6. Five godly and profitable Sermons, 1629.— 7. Fruitful
knnons on I Cor. xv. 18, 19., 1629.-8. An Introduction to the
SViprthy Receiving of the Lord's Supper, 1629. — 9. De formarum
itkine, 1629.— 10. De Senibus intemis, 1629.-11. A Sum of Moral
^iuktoophy, 1630.— 12. The Period of the Persian Monarchy, 1631.—
13. Enchmdion Oratorium, 1633. — 14. An Introduction to Geography,
1086.— ^The above articles in English were collected and published
D fme Tohune iblio, 1635, being much esteemed and often reprinted.
John Sprint, A. M. — This learned person was the son
tf Dr.. John Sprint, dean of Bristol, a frequent Calyinistic
macher; was bom in or near that city, and educated in
!3iiisf 8 Chupch, Oxford. After taking bis degrees in arts,
le became vicar of Thornbury in (Gloucestershire; but
Aerwards lemoyed to London, where he became a very
)opiilar preacher. Wood says, ^' he was a grave and
lioiis divine, but for the most part disaffected to the ceremo-
lies of the church of England, at least, while he continued
It Thornbury. He was, indeed, called in question for
Ittering certain things against the ceremonies and discipline
f the established church." This writer also adds, that he
lot only conformed himself, but was the great instrument
^persuading others to do the same, by his book, called
^ Gusander Anglicanus." Fullers says, he put in the one
cde the woe pronounced against those who preach not the
[ospel, or desert their flocks upon pretended scrupulosity ;
od in the other, the nature oi those ceremonies that were
ngoined by lawful authority ; and finding the former to
iieponderate, he concluded it to be unlawful, on any such
• Wood's AthcM, wfAf i. p. 405. i Wnkins on Preachiof , p. 89, 89.
roh. II. X
905 LIVES OF TBE fVKTTANi.
tccotmt, for any me to leave or lose his miniiterial finie^
tion.* Dr. Calainy, baying mentioned Mr. Sprint^t ^ 0»
gander Anglicanus,*' addf, <^ I think it not improper to
communicate to the world a paper concerning iL whidi im
written by the hand of his own son ; a copy of which wm
sent me by the grandson of the author, with assurance that
it was drawn up by his fother, Mr. Samuel Sprint of
Tidworth/* The paper was as follows :
1. ^< This book meddles not with subseriptum^ but di^
claims it, p. 237.
3. ^^ In all the arguments, it supposeth, that the oeraMh
nies imposed are inconyeniencies, and the churches budeoL
3. ^' By the quotations, p. 194, 196, and elaewhcie^ he
adyiseth us to bear witness against thenu and to e3EpreBB our
dissent from them, and then conform : Wnich is not to utMSf y
and much less, to declare our unfeigned assent^ as wdl ai
consent to them.
4. '^ Bishop Laud said, < It had been no great mafiai if
this book and the author had been burnt tog^er/
5. << This book is not fully comprehensiyeof the anthof'i
judgment : for, besides what is extant of his in print, (Vil
his < Bellum Cercmonialc,* printed by another,) and idnt
he hath left in manuscript, this book, as he hath acknow-
ledged to his acquaintance, hath buffered much by the h^mds
of the bishop's chaplain, who was appointed the leyiici of
books to be printed."f
From this account, and eyeii from the words ci Foliar,
as cited above, it appears that Mr. Sprint was a puritaa in
principle and a nonconformist in practice ; cmly he wodd
conform, and recommended others to conform, rather ihiB
suffer deprivation • ^^ To speak my free thoughts/' ohserm
Calamy, ^^ I take that book of Mr. Sprint's to be a ddeace
of occasional conformity to the church, in eyideqce </
charity, while a testimony is publicly borne against id
remaining corruptions ; rather than a plea for entire coD'
formity."^ He was a man of excellent wisdom and md
moderation. He died in London, May 7, 1683, and liii
remains were interred at St. Ann's, Blackfiriars, when kf
appears to have been for some time minister. Mr. Saanrf
Sprint and Mr. John Sprint, jun. both gected in IDGty
were his sons^S
His Works. — 1. Propositions tending to prove the neeessny V*
of the Christian Sabbath, or Lord's Day, 1007.-2. The praefis^ '
• Wood's Atheoas, vol. i. p. 406.~Faner'8 Worthies, part i. p.M.
f Calamy's Account, vol. ii. p. S4S.
± Moderate Noncjonforinity, vol. i. p. 27. Edit. ITQS.
^ Pahner*8 l^oncon. Mem.^o\» u. ^. HSfit^ 466.
I
I
I
J, GEE. 30T
^mt Sacred Day, framed after the Rules of God's Word, 1607.-0. The
fl^m of Christian Religion by way of Question and Answer, 1613.^^
4^ Cassander Anglicanus: or, the Necessity of Conforming to the
r»eribed Ceremonies of the Church, in case of Deprivation, 1618.
The Christian's Sword and Buckler ; or, a Letter sent to a Man
ivren yean gricTOusly afliicted in Conscience and fearfully troubled
kk Mind, 1638. — 6. Bellum Ceremoniale, already mentioned.
John Gee, A. B. — This zealous person was the son of a
minister, born in Devonshire, in the year 1597, and educated
first in Brazen-nose college, then in Exeter college, Oxford.
Bntering uponi the ministerial work, he was beneficed
■t Newton, near Winwick, in Lancashire. Being at this
period much inclined to popery, he left the place, and
wtired to London, where he became intimately acquainted
vith several leading persons of the popish persuasion.
October S6, 16IS3, Mr. Gee was in the assembly of above
throe hundred persons, collected in an upper room, in
Blackfnars^ London; when, about the middle of the
•eimon, the flool: giving way, Drury, the Roman catholic
wiestp And nearly one hundred of the congr^ation. Were
iSUed, and many others severely bruised.* This he con-
«dered a most alarming and awakening providence.
Steving already received many urgent letters from bis
fiilher,' and by means of a conrcrence which he had with
Archbishop Abbot, he renounced the errors of popery, and
became a zealous protestant. Some, it is said, thought he
became too xealous a protestant. For he embraced the
principles (^ the puritans, and wrote with great spirit and
'iriUlity against the papists, exposing their errors and
froeistitions. The papists, however, in return, loaded him
''inth much slander and abuse. After renouncing popery,
ke preached at Tenterden in Kent,- where he died, but at what
particular time we are not able to learn.f He had a younger
bvolhar, called Orlando Gee, who was afterwards knightra.
His Works. — 1. The Foot out of the Snare, with a Detection of
ffll■ildl7 late Practices and Impostures of the Priests and Jesuits in
Sogland, 1624.— 2. A gentle Excuse to Mr. Greg. Musket for
ing him Jesuit, 1624. — Both these passed through four editions
year. — 3. Hold fast, a Sermon at Paul's cross, on Rev. iii. 11.,
U24^-«4. New Shreds of the old Snare, containing the Apparitions of
two Female Ghosts, the copies of divers Letters, and Indulgences
purchased at Rome, 1624.
* Princess Worthies of DeTon, p. SS8, 339.
f Wood's Athene Ozoo. vol. i. p. 487.
SOB LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
John Knbwstubs, B. D.— This learned dirine wa» iMhri
at Kirkby Stephen in Westmoreland, in the year I540, and
chosen fellow of St John^s college, in the universi^ of
Cambridge,* where he was much esteemed for his gmt
piety, abilities, and learning. During his abode in the
university, he united with Dr. Andrews, afterwards hiahap
of Ely, Dr. Chadderton, Mr. Culverwell, Mr. Carter, and
other distinguished persons, in the observance of weeUj
meetings for conferoioe upon certain portions of scripture.
These meetings were conducted with great decorum, aad
found of signal advantage to all. >
In the year 1579, Mr. iCnewstubs, upon his removal frOD
Cambridge, became minister at Cockfield in Suffolk. Heie
he was labouring in the vineyard of Christ, when msif
ministers, from the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cam-
bridge, assembled in his church to confer about the Book
of Common Prayer, with the view of coming to an agree-
ment concerning what things might be tolerated, aind what
were to be refused. They consulted also abotit the derical
apparel, holidays, fasts, injunctions, and other mattonkt
Dr. Heylin says, this meeting was held May 8, 1588.t . •
In the year 1583, upon the publication of Whitgi&'s
three articles, Mr. Knewstubs and sixty other ministeisof^
Suffolk, whose names are now before me, were not icadtviSi
to subscribe, and, for further satisfaction, wrote to their
diocesan, desiring the resolution of their doubts, some
of which were the following : — << The administration of
baptism in private. — The use of the cross in baptisn]>f-
The interrogatories proposed to the infants.— Tte burial
service, requiring us to commit to the ground aO ekof
ractersj in sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal
life. — ^And the reading of apocryphal books in public
worship, to the exclusion of some parts of canonical scrip-
ture."^ Their application, however, proved unsucceaMl^
and they were all suspended from their ministerial wolk^
upwards of forty of whom received the ecclesiastical censuic
on one day.||
This excellent divine being laid aside from his bdovefl
work, the Lord Treasurer Burleigh wrote to him and Mir.
John Oxeiibridge, another suspended minister, requesting
them to declare, '' That tliey would use the Bodk ^
Common Prayer; and that in their public ministry thej
* Peck's Desiderata Curiosa, vol. i. b. vi. p. 28.
-f FaUer's Church Hist. b. iz. p. 1S5.
} Heylio's Hist, of Pres. p.S92,
S MS. Register, p. 434» 435.
fIt>'d*P- 436,437.
KNEWSTUBS. S0»
Woilild not preach against it." Upon the reception of this,
fkey returned his lordship the foUoHving open and generous
declaration, earnestly soliciting his favourable attention to
their case, as the silenced ministers of Christ : — ^' Right
llQQOurable and very good lord,'^ say they, ^' we find it is
jroar lordship's pleasure that we should declare in writing
mir consent to these two points : That we will use the Book
of Ck>mmon Prayer ; and that we will not inveigh against
it in our public ministry. — In the first place, as we have
bitherto used the said book in our public worship, so we
do purpose to use it, and no other, except some other shall
be established by public authority. And, secondly, we
always have had a special regard, both in our publiq
liptinistry and private life, for the peace of the church and
oar duty to her majesty, and to walk in all quiet and
christian behaviour towards all who use the book in some
Uungs more strictly than we can do : and we mean always
to act thus in future.
** Seeing these are the things which your honour thinketh
,good to request at our hands, we most humbly beseech
your lordship's favour, that we may be relieved from that
sabscription, which, as we verily think, the states of the
realm have not required of us ; and that . we may be
restored to our ministry, as in times past. Which, if we
obtaiii, we shall be bound both to praise God for your
clemency and to pray for the increase and continuance of
jrour honour's estat&^and happiness,"*
It dors not appear how long these learned divines
remained under the bishop's censure, nor whether their
wplication to the treasurer proved at all available. Mr.
Knewstubs joined with his brethren in subscribing the
" Book of Discipline." He laboured with great zeal and
moderation to carry on the work of reformation in the
church, and frequently met with his brethren at their asso-
ciations in the counties of Suffolk, Norfolk, and Cambridge.
Being a known and decided nonconformist, though a man
of no severe principles, his house was narrowly watched,
and afterwards strictly searched, by the prelate's officers.+
In the year 1603, Mr. Knewstubs was one of the puritan
jdivines appointed by King James to attend the Hampton-
court conference. He signified, on this occasion, his
olgections against the interrogatories in baptism. But Dr.
Barlow, who published '^ The Sum and Substance of the
V
• MS. IUsist«r, p. 587, 688. f MS. Chrooolof y, vol. il. p. SOS. (4.)
310 LIVES OF THE PURITANS,
Conference," instead of informing us i?hat he said iipoB
this point, is pleased to observe, that his discourse was »
extremely perplexed that it was very difficult to be under^
stood.* This, surely, is a short and easy method of answer-
ing an argument, and of reproaching an adversary. Mil
Knewstubs also excepted against the cross in baptism ;i
because, as he observed, it gave offence to many weak
brethren, contrary to Rom. xiv. and 3 Cor. viii., wherp
their consciences are not to be offended. He inqniied
whether the church had power to add external si^ijGcaiit
signs. Then, if it had such power, whether it might add
them where Christ hath already ordained one. To attempt
this, appeared to him no less derogatory to the institution of
Christ, than if any person in the land should presume io
add his own seal to the great seal of England. But if the
church had this power also, Mr. Knewstubs further inquired,
How far is such an ordinance to bind us, without impeach-
ing our christian liberty ? The king, hearing this, was
greatly moved, and said it smelt rankly of anabaptism;
and, therefore, he would not arffue the point with him ! ^^ I
will," added his majesty, "have one doctrine, cme dis-
cipline, and one religion, in substance and in ceremony;
and, therefore, I charge you never more to speak upon that
point, how far you are to obev, when the church hath
ordained it!"{ Such was the logic of that prince who
was styled the Solomon of the age !
Towards the close of the conference. Dr. Chadderton
having requested that the wearing of the surplice, and the
use of the cross in baptism, might not be urged upon
certain pious and painfid ministers in Lanca^ire, Mc
Knewstubs, upon his knees, requested the like favour and
forbearance for certain of his brethren in Suffolk, ^saying, it
would be much against them to require these things.
** Sir," replied the king, " you shew yourself to be uncha-
ritable. We have taken pains, and in the end have con-
cluded on unity and uniformity ; and you, forsooth, must
prefer the credit of a few private men, before the peace
• Barlow'f Account, p. 163.
f He might with propriety have asked, Why may not any other sign be
used in baptism, as well as the sign of the cross ? If ft Ittd been said,
Becaose oor Saviour was crucified upon the cross i lie might have inqaired
of what shape- or figure was the Saviour's cross ; lesl, itf nuULing the sign of
. it, they should not make the sign of that cross, bat of some other. ,BjiA how
shall we know the exact flgnre of our Saviour's cross ? The originl word,
as used in the New Testament, according to the opinion of the learned,
signifies a stake or jsosi, as well as a cross. . .
t Ibid. p. 164—160.
KNEWSTUBS. «U
of Ae church. I will none of that ; and^ therefore, let them
4Bither conform themselves, and that sIuHtlj, or they shall
hou of it ^* Some further account of this mock confei^^tce^
at it is very oommonly and very justly denonunated, iy
ghren in andher place.t
Mr. Knewstubs was a learned and cdebrated diviMe, and
Aott^ the productions of his pen do not appear to ha^e
been very numerous, Fuller denominates him one of thf
faanied writers of St. John^s coll^, Cambridge.^ H«
eontinued his zealous and faithful ministry at Cockifield Uk
Ihft day of his death, haying laboured at that place forty-fiv«
▼ears. He died May S9, 1624, aged eighty years, when
his remains were interred at Cockfidd, and over hm grare
m monumental inscription was erected to bis memofy, of
vrliich the following is a translation i^
In Memory
of that most hvmbie
' and -Affectionate ServanI of Cod,
John Knbwstubs,
forty-five years the very watcliful
and fiuthful pastor of the chtirch of CockfieM;
« teacher ef the church, and an exeeUent scholar;
a firm asserter and defender of Christian Truth,
the wholesome doctrines of the Gospel,
and uncormpted Religion,
liyainst the Roman Antichrist and his emissaries.
He bravely withstood the storms of life,
and patiently endured the greatest sufferinfs
for the glory of God.
At length, worn out with infirmitiety
in the 80th year of his age,
wkh divme serenity,
^ he withdrew from this mortal life,
and entered the celestial Country,
on the 29th of May, 1624.
As there are
never-fading momimencts of bis Genius,
lest posterity should wish
for some memorial of his body also ;
this Monument,
too small for so great a man,
contains the mortal part of
John Knewstubs.
Friends maye awile by Arte our Yiewe commende.
But tys not longe eare all Thinges heere shall ende.
The Arte of Artes is so to ly ve and dye.
As we may ly ve in Heav'n eternally.
. • Barlow's Account, p. 176, 177. f See Art. Dr. John iUiaoldSi
i Faller't Hist, of Cambridge, p. 9&.
S Peck's Dcitderata Curioiay vol. i. b. vi. p. SS.
\
81ft LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
M ri' Knewstubs is classed among the generous beiiefactav
of St. John's college, Cambridge. September 1, IGSS, he
founded two exhibitions tor two poor scholars ; for wiuch • .
purpose he gave to the college eleven pounds a year, oat
of certain lands, called squires' lands, at Southminster aiM|
Steeple in Essex. He appointed twenty shillings of tbtf
annuity for the use of the college, and ten pounds for two
poor scholars, to be elected at the general election oischciaaif
one of them to be out of the north, the, other from the sooth.
The former of these was to be a person bom within tb
parish of Kirkby Stephen ; or, in case of the want of sadi
a one, any one born in the county of Westmoreland^or
educated in the school at Kirkby Stephen : but in the wiiit
of such a one, then a person to he chosen out of the school
at Appleby. The scholar from the south was to be a penbt
born within the parish of Cockfield in Suffolk ; and in the
want of such a one, then a person to be chosen from the
school at Sudbury. He appointed the nomination of the
one to the vice-chancellor, or the incumbent of Kirkby
Stephen and the schoolmaster for the time being ; and of tte
other* to the incumbent of Cockfield for the time being.
He further ordered, that if either of the scholars should oe
absent from the college upwards of fifty days together, the
allowance, during that period, shoulci go to the use at the
coll<*ge ; and if absent ninettf-one days, he should forfeit his
exhibition.*
His Works. --r I. A Confutation of certain Monstrous and Horrible
Heresies, taught by H. N. (Henry Nichols) and embraced by a
number who call themselves The Family ofLove^ 1579. — ^2. Lectiurei
on Various Portions of Scripture, — 3. An Answer to certain Asser-
tions.
Richard Crakenthorp, D. D. — This learned divine
was born of respectable parents near Strickland in West-
moreland, in the year 1577, and educated in Queen's
college, Oxford, where he was chosen fellow. About the
year 1603, he became chaplain to Lord Eyers, in his
mission as ambassador to the court of Germany, by which
be became acquainted with many persons celebrated for
learning, and visited several of the ibreign universities.
Upon his return to England he became chaplain .in
ordinary to King James; and, by the favour of Sir John
Levesen, was presented to the rectory of Black-Notely,
• Baker*s MS. CoUec. vol. xziii. This Tolame Is not pag*^*
CRAKENTHORP. 313
I
^near Bmintree iin Essex. In the year 16 17, he became
WqtoF of Packekham.*
r This learned divine attempted to vindicate the famous
^Dr. John ilainolds from i;he reproachful imputation of
buritanism, but evidently with very little success,; and, in
met, while he laboured to clear his friend and favourite of
die reproachful charge, he was himself found guilty. He
was justly denominated a puritan, as well as Rainolds*
The Oxford historian says, " he was a noted preacher, a
profound disputant, and a good divine, and was greatly ad-
mired and venerated by all great men, especially by those of
the puritanical party, being himself a zealot among them."
He.further adds, '' that Dr. Crakenthorp was esteemed by
nost to have been replenished with all kinds of virtue
•Qd learning; to have been a profound philosopher and
4heQlogian, a great canonist, and so familiar in the fathers^
<souncils, and schoolmen^ that scarcely any in his time went
beyond him ; and that few authors have written with greater
diligence and success."+ He died at Black-Notely, says
ihis writer, ^^ for want of a bishopric," as King James used
to say in reproach of such men; and his remains were
interred in the chancel of the church at that place,
November 25, 1624, aged forty-seven years. Dr. John
Barkham, dean of Bocking, preached his funeral sermon,
BMkd gave the deceased high commendations tor learning
and piety. Dr. Crakenthorp sometimes preached the
sermon at Paul's cross, and one or more of these sermons
was afterwards published*
His Works. — 1. Sermons on several Occasions, 1608. — 2, Jns-
iinjan the Emperor defended, against Card. Baronius, 1616. —
9. Introductio in Metapbysicam, 1619. — 4. A Defence of Constan-
tine, with a Treatise of the Pope's Temporal Monarchy, 1621.—
5. Logicae libri quinque, de praedicalibus, prsedicamentis, etc., 1622,-^—
6. Tractatas de Providentia Dei, 1622. — 7. Defensio Eccl. Anglicanae
eoDtra M. Anton, de Dominis Archcp. Spalatensis injurias, I626.J —
0. Yirgelios dormitans; or, a Treatise of the first <^eneral Conncii
keld at Constantinople, an. 563, under Justinian the Emperor, 1631.-^
^ough he left numerous manuscripts, it does not appear whether
Muy other articles were ever published.
• Newcoprt's Repert. Eccl. vol. ii. p. 443,459.
f Wood's Atbenae Ozod. vol. i. p. 417,418.
J Arcbbishop Abbot caUs this work ** the most exact piece of cootro«
vcny since the reformatioo."— X/ci^A 011 Rtligion and Ltarning, p. 172.
S14 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Walter TbaybrS) B. D. — ^This celebrated divine wm
educated in Trinity college, Cambridge; whoe he tod^
hif degrees in arts, and was incorporated in tiie same i^
Oxford. Aflerwaids he travelled to GSeneva, whore he
formed an intimate and abiding acquaintance with Ben aid
other learned, divines. Upcm his return to Cambridge^
where he remained for some time, he took his degree ii
divinity. In 1572, he was member of the first presbyteriaa
church in Eln^land, erected at Wandsworth in Survey.*
While the prelates rigorously imposed subscription upai
ministers, and lequirra an exact conformity to the esteb-
lisbed church, many learned persons, who had aHMcientioH
objections against the English mode of ordination, weot
abroad to Middleburg, Antwerp, and other plaon, and
received ordination according to the foreign reforraed
churches ; which, in their opinion, was much inore agrees
able to the word of God. Among those whose confio*
tions led them to adopt this course was Mr. Travels, who
went to Antwerp, and was there ordained by the piesb^rterv.
His honourable testimonial, dated May 14, 1578^ is tie
fdlowing :f — ^< For as much as it is just and reasauaUe,
^ ^ that such as are received into the number of the mimsters
^^ of God's word should have a testitnonial of theur vooa-
^ tion ; we declare, that, having called together a synod of
^< iwehe ministers of God's word, and almost the sane
" number of elders, at Antwerp, on May 8, 1578, our voy
*' learned, pious, md excdO/egd brother, the reverend Doctor
^ GauUer Traversy was, by the unanimous votea and ardent
^ desires of all present, received and instituted into the
'^ ministry of God's holy word, and confirmed according
^ to our accustomed manner, with prayer and impositioa
^ of hands ; and the next day after the sabbath, having
^< preached before a full congregation o( EngUshj at the
^^ request of the ministers, he was acknowledged and
^' received most afiectionately by the whole church. That
*^ Almighty God would prosper the ministry <^ this our
^' reverend brother among the English, and attend it wiOi
^^ great success, is our most earnest prayer, through Jesoi
** Christ. Amen.
" Given at Antwerp, May 14, 1578, and signed,
" Johannes Taffinus, V. D. M.
" LOGELERIUS YlLERIUS^ V. D. M.
" Johannes Hochelcus^ V. D. M.**
* See Art. Jobo Field. f Faller'i <;bHrch Hilt. b. ix. p. 914.
TRAVERS. 815
' Mr. Traters, soon after his ordination, became assistant
to Mr. Cartwri^bt, then preacher to the English merchants
at Antwerp. He was a person highly distinguished foe
prudence, learning, and piety; and, therefore, upon his
letam to England, the Lord Treasurer Burleigh made
dioice of him for his domestic chaplain, and as tutor to his
son Robert, afterwards Earl of Ssdisbury. The treasure
was, indeed, a constant friend and patron of the ncHicon-
fonnisfs, and discovered his affectionate regard for them
through the whole of his life.* In the face of the whole
nation, therefore, he countenanced this learned and excel-
lent divine, and received him into his family, notwith-
ftending his nonconformity. Mr. Travers could not'
conscientiously subscribe ; on which account he was inca-
'pable of any considerable preferment in the church, whicb^
we nmy suppose, his noUe patron was ready to bestow
upon mm. The lecturer's place at the Temple becoming
tacant, the learned gentlemen of that society invited htm
to accmt it ; and, as no subscription was requisite for that
^office, ne complied with their invitation.
In the year 1584, a short time before Dr. Alvey, master
of the Temple, closed his eyes in death, the doctor, with
tl|e learned gentlemen of that society, recommended Mr.
TVaveiB for his successor. Dr. Alvey the master, and Mr.
Travers the lecturer, lived together some years in great
amity and love. They mutually united in carrying on
the wcMrk of reformation in the place; and, with much
seal, wisdom, and resolution, they joined in promoting
true christian piety among the learned benchers, by whom ^
they were both very highly esteemed.f The above recom-
mendation was presented to the treasurer, who communicated
.the same to the queen, signifying to her majesty his appro-
bation of their choice. But, by the powerful endeavours
.and superior influence of Archbishop Whiteift* he was
rejected, and Mr. Richard Hooker, author of ^^ Ecclesiastical
'Polity," was nominated to the office. Whitgift most vi-
gorously opposed the admission of Mr. Travers, and signified
to the queen, ^' that he was one of the principal authors
of dissention in the church ; that h^ contenmed the Book
of Common Prayer, and other orders as by authority
-established; that he sought to promote innovation; and
that he was only ordained abroad, and not according to the
fonn of the church of England." Mr. Travers, however,
.• MS. Chronology, toI. ii. p. ilS. (14.) 4^ Ibid. p. 431. (&)
316 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
{'ustified himself against all the false charges which iren
wrought (u^inst him, and proved, at some length, th^
validity of his ordination.*
During the above year, our learned divine was engnged
in a public conference holden at Lambeth. The first d'ty's
conference, December 10(h, was betwixt Archbishop Whttr
fift and the Bishop of Winchester, on the one part ; and Mr.
Vavers and Dr. Thomas Sparke, on the other, in the pm-
senre of the Earl of Leic* sler. Lord Gray, and Sir Francis
Walsingham. The subject of discussion was confined to
those things in the Book ot Common Prayer which appeared
to n quire a refbrmatio.'i. The conference whs opened by
the following declaration made by the archbishop :— ^< Mj
lord of Leicester having requestcMl, for his own satisfactiooi
to hear what the ministers could reprove, and how their
objections mi^ht be answered, I have granted his reqaeit
Let us then hear \^hat things in the Book of ConimaB
Prayer you thirsk ought to be mended. You now appear
before me, not judicially, nor as called in question bj
authority, but by way of conference. You snail, there^
fore, be free (speaking in duty) to charge the book with
those things in which it is faulty."
Though the conference is of considerable length, the
substance of it will, no doubt, be gratifying to.the inquisitive
reader. Whitgift, therefore, having finished, Dr. Sparke
replied as follows : — ^' We give most humble and heaitj
thanks to Almighty God, and to these honourable penoos,
that alter so many years, wherein our cause could never be
admitted to an impartial hearing, it hath pleased God of
his gracious goodmss so to order things, that we now
enjoy that equity and favour, before such honourable
personages, as may be a worthy means with her most
excellent majesty, ol promoting a further reformation of
such things as are needful : and that it is no